If you ask marine professionals like boat dealers, mechanics or fishing guides to name one word that best describes Yamaha outboards, their answer will likely be: reliability. These engines, which range from 2.5-hp portables to the 450-hp V8s, are designed to provide long-lasting performance, but to get the most longevity and performance out of them, a good start for owners is to follow the procedures outlined in Yamaha’s Maintenance Matters® Guide. Only 36 pages long, this brochure outlines when and what boaters need to do to extend the life of their outboard, and anyone can receive a free print copy mailed to their house or a download via email by going to the Owner Center section of Yamaha’s Maintenance Matters website.
While it’s imperative to start and end each season by making sure all maintenance items receive special care, it’s equally important to keep up with routine maintenance throughout the boating season. Some items should be checked each time you use your boat, while others need to be performed at intervals recommended by Yamaha professionals. After chatting with the maintenance pros at Atlantic Coast Marine in Jacksonville, Florida, the exclusive Yamaha dealership that has achieved Marine Service Pro Elite status, they offered some valuable tips for boat owners.
What should Yamaha outboard owners check before each trip?
According to Brett Elrod, the lead Yamaha Master Technician, “Before each outing, owners should be like a pilot doing a pre-flight inspection, and having a checklist is a good way to make sure nothing is missed.”
Pre-trip Checklist
Maintenance items to perform after trips.
Flush the engine thoroughly.
Before flushing the engine, consult the owner’s manual for the correct procedure. Most modern Yamaha outboards have a built-in flush port that owners can use to connect a garden hose to. According to Yamaha, owners should not start the engine when using this connection. Alternatively, owners can use flush muffs, which fit over the lower unit inlets on models with one intake. With this, the motor can be started and run at idle if the water pressure is strong enough. Never rev the engine because there isn’t sufficient flow from hoses to prevent overheating, which can damage the water pump impeller and more. Another method is to use a flush bag, which also allows the engine to be started. The flush muff and flush bag methods are the only ones approved for fogging the engine for storage when it won’t be used for months, such as during winter. Despite conventional wisdom, Yamaha research shows there is no disadvantage to using the flush port with the engine off since water will still pass into the cylinder head passages even though the thermostat doesn’t open. One thing to note is that if the boat is moored in the water, tilt up the engine when performing this task. When it is on a lift or trailer, tilt it down.
Spray the engine’s powerhead with Yamalube® Yamashield.
Despite having to remove the cowling on most engines to check the oil, one item some owners neglect is periodically inspecting the powerhead for salt buildup. Ben Garrison, Atlantic Coast Marine’s service manager, explains why it is essential, “While the cowling protects the interior from most spray, because air has to enter the engine to run, saltwater spray can also come with it, especially on rough days offshore. Once every couple of months or so, after normal operation in calm conditions, remove the cowl and lightly spray the engine with mild soap and water, taking care to avoid the intake and starter. Then let it dry and lightly spray it with Yamalube Yamashield to offer additional protection. For those who run in rough conditions, do this about once a month.”
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Scheduled midseason service
New Yamaha outboards should be professionally serviced after the first 20 hours of operation and then again after 100 hours of operation or annually, which includes a water pump impeller replacement and a change of the NGK® spark plugs. After every 50 hours of service, owners should change the fuel/water separator filter. A more comprehensive 300-hour service includes replacing the thermostat, along with inspecting all onboard systems and repairing or replacing components as needed.
What happens during a 20-hour service?
Watching Atlantic Coast Marine service tech John Varnadoe perform the 20-hour service on a Pathfinder 2400 TRS with a Yamaha V6 F350, he started by changing the gearcase oil. He removed the lower of the two plugs, which is magnetic, and inspected it for metal shavings, which can indicate a problem. Then, he removed the upper plug and let the oil drain into a pan. He then pumped fresh Yamalube Gearcase Lube into the lower port of the lower unit until it exited the upper drain hole, indicating it’s full. Elrod explained why it’s so important to ensure the lower unit has adequate lubrication.“If the gearcase unit isn’t completely full, catastrophic damage to the upper bearings can occur because lubrication isn’t cooling them.”
Next comes an oil change, which includes a Yamaha oil filter. Varnadoe explains it’s important to fill the oil filter with oil before installing it and make sure to smear some oil on the rubber gasket to ensure a tight seal. Then hand-tighten it in place. While the cowling was off, he cleaned the powerhead and sprayed it with Yamashield. All zerk fittings received a shot of grease, as did the rams for the engine’s tilt mechanism.
Then Varnadoe changed the water/fuel separator filter and the fuel filter. Lastly, he connected a laptop to the F350’s onboard computer, which revealed how the owner has used the engine and displayed any faults that might exist. There was a steering fault that happened during the engine’s rigging, which he erased. He then updated the onboard computer to note that the 20-hour service had been completed.
What can an owner do to prevent fuel-related problems?
One of the recurring problems mechanics see is fuel-related issues. “Yamaha outboards are designed to run with fuel that contains up to 10 percent ethanol,” said Elrod. “But if an owner uses higher ethanol blends or leaves it in the tank for a few months, problems can occur. Ethanol is water-soluble, so it can absorb water from condensation, and phase separation can occur, where the ethanol and water separate from the gas. Because it’s heavier, this mixture will sit at the bottom of the tank where the fuel line pickup is located. The first indication of a problem is a rough-running engine that won’t reach higher rpm, and it can quickly lead to catastrophic failure. Always use Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner Plus to prevent issues and use ethanol-free gas if it’s available.”
Keep a maintenance log.
Owners should maintain a maintenance log and file to document all work done. Not only does this help with warranty claims and to schedule future work, but it can also increase the resale value of your boat. “A maintenance log should also include performance information,” said Elrod. “Knowing what the performance standard for your boat is when it’s running well is important because it can help identify problems if that standard isn’t achieved.”
The Yamaha Maintenance Matters website provides owners with a wealth of knowledge.
To learn more about how to maintain a Yamaha outboard properly, the Maintenance Matters section of Yamaha’s website has 10 tabs that lead to short, educational videos that explain the best ways to extend the life of your motor. These include videos about Engine and Lube, Lower Unit, Fuel and Fuel Systems, Power Trim and Tilt, Electrical System, Corrosion Prevention, Extended Storage, Propeller Solutions, External Appearance, and Additional Tasks.
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While it’s imperative to start and end each season by making sure all maintenance items receive special care, it’s equally important to keep up with routine maintenance throughout the boating season. Some items should be checked each time you use your boat, while others need to be performed at intervals recommended by Yamaha professionals. After chatting with the maintenance pros at Atlantic Coast Marine in Jacksonville, Florida, the exclusive Yamaha dealership that has achieved Marine Service Pro Elite status, they offered some valuable tips for boat owners.
What should Yamaha outboard owners check before each trip?
According to Brett Elrod, the lead Yamaha Master Technician, “Before each outing, owners should be like a pilot doing a pre-flight inspection, and having a checklist is a good way to make sure nothing is missed.”
Pre-trip Checklist
- Check oil levels on all four-stroke outboards.
- Check the propeller for any damage or foreign objects like fishing line or rope. Even if you can’t see anything, remove the prop after every three or four outings to make sure nothing is wrapped around the propshaft.
- Check fuel systems for leaks by sight and smell.
- Check battery connections by trying to wiggle the cables to make sure they are tight and looking for corrosion buildup.
- Inspect Engine mounting bolts and cowling to make sure they are secure.
- Cooling water intake should be checked for debris that might prevent water flow.
- Battery state can be monitored by turning on the key or by installing a Siren system, which alerts you to an undercharge on your smartphone.
- Test Steering and shift systems before launching.
Maintenance items to perform after trips.
Flush the engine thoroughly.
Before flushing the engine, consult the owner’s manual for the correct procedure. Most modern Yamaha outboards have a built-in flush port that owners can use to connect a garden hose to. According to Yamaha, owners should not start the engine when using this connection. Alternatively, owners can use flush muffs, which fit over the lower unit inlets on models with one intake. With this, the motor can be started and run at idle if the water pressure is strong enough. Never rev the engine because there isn’t sufficient flow from hoses to prevent overheating, which can damage the water pump impeller and more. Another method is to use a flush bag, which also allows the engine to be started. The flush muff and flush bag methods are the only ones approved for fogging the engine for storage when it won’t be used for months, such as during winter. Despite conventional wisdom, Yamaha research shows there is no disadvantage to using the flush port with the engine off since water will still pass into the cylinder head passages even though the thermostat doesn’t open. One thing to note is that if the boat is moored in the water, tilt up the engine when performing this task. When it is on a lift or trailer, tilt it down.
Spray the engine’s powerhead with Yamalube® Yamashield.
Despite having to remove the cowling on most engines to check the oil, one item some owners neglect is periodically inspecting the powerhead for salt buildup. Ben Garrison, Atlantic Coast Marine’s service manager, explains why it is essential, “While the cowling protects the interior from most spray, because air has to enter the engine to run, saltwater spray can also come with it, especially on rough days offshore. Once every couple of months or so, after normal operation in calm conditions, remove the cowl and lightly spray the engine with mild soap and water, taking care to avoid the intake and starter. Then let it dry and lightly spray it with Yamalube Yamashield to offer additional protection. For those who run in rough conditions, do this about once a month.”
Scheduled midseason service
New Yamaha outboards should be professionally serviced after the first 20 hours of operation and then again after 100 hours of operation or annually, which includes a water pump impeller replacement and a change of the NGK® spark plugs. After every 50 hours of service, owners should change the fuel/water separator filter. A more comprehensive 300-hour service includes replacing the thermostat, along with inspecting all onboard systems and repairing or replacing components as needed.
What happens during a 20-hour service?
Watching Atlantic Coast Marine service tech John Varnadoe perform the 20-hour service on a Pathfinder 2400 TRS with a Yamaha V6 F350, he started by changing the gearcase oil. He removed the lower of the two plugs, which is magnetic, and inspected it for metal shavings, which can indicate a problem. Then, he removed the upper plug and let the oil drain into a pan. He then pumped fresh Yamalube Gearcase Lube into the lower port of the lower unit until it exited the upper drain hole, indicating it’s full. Elrod explained why it’s so important to ensure the lower unit has adequate lubrication.“If the gearcase unit isn’t completely full, catastrophic damage to the upper bearings can occur because lubrication isn’t cooling them.”
Next comes an oil change, which includes a Yamaha oil filter. Varnadoe explains it’s important to fill the oil filter with oil before installing it and make sure to smear some oil on the rubber gasket to ensure a tight seal. Then hand-tighten it in place. While the cowling was off, he cleaned the powerhead and sprayed it with Yamashield. All zerk fittings received a shot of grease, as did the rams for the engine’s tilt mechanism.
Then Varnadoe changed the water/fuel separator filter and the fuel filter. Lastly, he connected a laptop to the F350’s onboard computer, which revealed how the owner has used the engine and displayed any faults that might exist. There was a steering fault that happened during the engine’s rigging, which he erased. He then updated the onboard computer to note that the 20-hour service had been completed.
What can an owner do to prevent fuel-related problems?
One of the recurring problems mechanics see is fuel-related issues. “Yamaha outboards are designed to run with fuel that contains up to 10 percent ethanol,” said Elrod. “But if an owner uses higher ethanol blends or leaves it in the tank for a few months, problems can occur. Ethanol is water-soluble, so it can absorb water from condensation, and phase separation can occur, where the ethanol and water separate from the gas. Because it’s heavier, this mixture will sit at the bottom of the tank where the fuel line pickup is located. The first indication of a problem is a rough-running engine that won’t reach higher rpm, and it can quickly lead to catastrophic failure. Always use Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner Plus to prevent issues and use ethanol-free gas if it’s available.”
Keep a maintenance log.
Owners should maintain a maintenance log and file to document all work done. Not only does this help with warranty claims and to schedule future work, but it can also increase the resale value of your boat. “A maintenance log should also include performance information,” said Elrod. “Knowing what the performance standard for your boat is when it’s running well is important because it can help identify problems if that standard isn’t achieved.”
The Yamaha Maintenance Matters website provides owners with a wealth of knowledge.
To learn more about how to maintain a Yamaha outboard properly, the Maintenance Matters section of Yamaha’s website has 10 tabs that lead to short, educational videos that explain the best ways to extend the life of your motor. These include videos about Engine and Lube, Lower Unit, Fuel and Fuel Systems, Power Trim and Tilt, Electrical System, Corrosion Prevention, Extended Storage, Propeller Solutions, External Appearance, and Additional Tasks.
Back to Blue Life