2002 Yamaha F200 - The Hull Truth

tonybanco · 06-08-2008, 11:57 PM

I am finally about to take the plunge and downsize to a trailable Southwind 22 foot fitted with a single 2002 Yamaha F200AET 60LX with only 88 hours on the clock and both engine and boat/trailer looks to be in excelent condition.

The sale is subject to a satisfactory engine condition report so I have arranged it to be done in the next couple of days by a local Yamaha technician.

I have read a couple of replies you have made to similar questions (re F225's) in which you recommended the tech do a "leak down test" and in another:
" There was also a hot-start condition that required a kit from Yamaha. Have a trained Yamaha tech check over the motor, give it a leakdown test, check the injectors and fuel delivery system, timing belt, thermostats, zincs in the block, and a computer diagnostic check, along with the normal used motor inspection"

How is a "leak down" test different to a compression test and are all other tests able to be done outside a workshop, say by a mobile unit tech?

My concern is that the engine has only done 88 hours in 5 years and that the owner has not been very diligent as the engine has not been sent to a dealer but he used a mobile tech to change the crankcase and gear oils (says annually).
On the other side of the coin the unit is very well priced so I will have some left over coin to do some immediate maintenance as needed.

I thought if the inspection dosen't show major issues I would go ahead with the purchase, have an authorised Yamaha dealer change the oils, replace all fuel filters, check condition of plugs, thermostat and timing belt, also would you agree that the timing belt and valve adjustment should not be necessary just yet due to the low hours on the engine?

The owner has mentioned that the throttle linkage recall had been done .........are there any other recalls that I need to check that they were done, (hot-start condition mentioned?)

Thank you in advance, I will really appreciate any suggestions you make or any other tests/maintenance work I should have done.

Tony

A1 Outboard · 06-09-2008, 06:49 AM

With only 88 hours in 5 years, the motor should be thoroughly inspected by a trained mechanic. The calendar can mess up a motor worse than one that is run all the time and has over 1000 hours on it.

There are 2 different throttle linkage recalls, plus one for the voltage rebulator depending on serial number. A Yamaha dealer can check the serila number and see what needs to be done.

A leakdown test goes above and beyond the compression test. It shoots a measured amount of air into the cylinder and measures how much leaks out by the rings and the valves. It is used in airplane engines also to gauge the internal health of a motor.

tonybanco · 06-09-2008, 12:43 PM

Thanks for the information A1, I will get the tech to check that both recall issues has been carried out.

Also what do you think about the timing belt replacement and valve adjustment? I know that Yamaha recommend it be carried out @ 1000 hours or 5 years but as I think both relate more to engine hours rather than age I would be inclined to put it off for 12 months by which time I should put 100-150 additonal hours on the engine.

Is there any specific test/checks that you would make sure are specifically carried out based on the low hours on this engine?

Again many thanks for your help. Tony

A1 Outboard · 06-09-2008, 04:45 PM

Valve adjustment is not worth the expense right now. Have the tech inspect the timing belt for any checking, cracks, dry rot, etc.

You should insist on a leakdown test, a computer report, fuel pressure test at all speeds and a thorough checkover. Figure on replacing the waterpump and thermostats for good measure.

tonybanco · 06-10-2008, 09:42 PM

Thanks A1 appreciate your advice