*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child fish. Jim Porter
Got a question for anyone who is familiar with the Saltwater Series. I have a 2002 which blew a powerhead back in May. I went ahead and purchased a new powerhead from Yamaha in August and had it installed. Apparently one of the pistons came loose, the "clamp" or "arm" that holds the piston's arm to the crankshaft came loose, and the rest is history. Has anyone had this problem? The fellow who purchased my old powerhead told me that this is a common issue on this particular motor. All feedback greatly appreciated.
I ran 96 200's for 3500 trouble free hours! My 88"s essentially the exact same ran for at least that many. IMO the best outboard ever built. Impellers and spark plugs, period.
This is a 2002, the actual crank was fine, the problem was the clamp or fitting that holds the piston to the crankshaft. This was the one and only problem this motor ever had, like Salty said, oil, plugs, and impellers. I bought the Saltwater Series due to the good feedback over the years. I had some concerns due to what I was told about the piston arm clamps, so I figured I would post it here to see if anyone has had this same issue, or perhaps had knowledge of it.
Common like snow in Miami. They don't just come loose, either a bolt broke or was never torqued right. Good thing the block has a lifting ring, you can tie a rope to it and use it for an anchor, it's toast.
That's good to hear. I was worried about having to deal with this crap again in 5 years. Yami wasn't much help, their answer was things break. My boat is in great condition this is why I purchased a new powerhead for the motor, had it been older I would have repowered with a Suzuki instead.
Got a question for anyone who is familiar with the Saltwater Series. I have a 2002 which blew a powerhead back in May. I went ahead and purchased a new powerhead from Yamaha in August and had it installed. Apparently one of the pistons came loose, the "clamp" or "arm" that holds the piston's arm to the crankshaft came loose, and the rest is history. Has anyone had this problem? The fellow who purchased my old powerhead told me that this is a common issue on this particular motor. All feedback greatly appreciated.
Tight Lines,
Louis
BMC Tackle
The part that you are referring to is called a "big end rod bearing". You need to see one, it is full of roller bearings, in a bearing race (cage), that is miraculously somehow lubricated by oil in gasoline that is being drawn through the crank case. I don't see how two strokes live at all given the way they are oiled. But they do.
Parts from Yamaha come with a one year warranty. If you bought the power head this past August then I see a new free power head in your future.
Actually the replacement powerhead is the new one. I sold the old one a few months ago. I am starting to add a quart of oil directy into the gas each time I fuel up now. I have a friend who has been doing this with his, no problems. He told me exactly what you posted here. He runs his boat for Coast Guard duty so it sees a lot of hours every year. He told me that the plugs do foul somewhat quicker than normal, but not so much that it's become a hassle for him. Basically this is an extra quart in the fuel in addition to the mix generated by the direct oil injection system.
Yamaha 200 HP Saltwater Series 
