225 4 strokes timing belt

[Shockwave61]

Hi Everyone,

I am a relatively new member and want to thank everyone for their helpful and informative assistance. I have twin Yamaha 225 4 strokes (2002 model year). The Yamaha manual stated that at 500 hrs do an inspection / replacement of the timing belt, belt tensioners, timing chain and sprockets and tensioners. I had this done at the Grady White dealership. (3 hours of labor on each engine). They told me everything checked out okay and no replacement was necessary. My question is do I wait for another 500 hours for the next check or do I need to have it checked more often? Obviously, this procedure is not cheap, but I want to keep the engines well maintained! I now have 609 hours on the engines.

Any input would be appreciated

 

[seasick]

That's tough to answer. In general, you should always be on the lookout for belt problems but not to the point where you open up the motor to check. Common problems are tensioner isssues and you may hear somethng different when certain problems are starting.
On the other hand, the 500 hours is a recommendation for inspections and 'replacement' if necessary. Timing often last longer than the recommended inspection interval but the actual life depends on factors such as the kind of use, operating temps and other factors that can affect parts life. Properly maintained engine oil is crutial to all moving parts.
If you have no issues after the first replacement (meaning that the job was done correctly), you are most likely OK to wait another 500 hours or 5 years

 

[gradyfish22]

I typically have my Yamaha tech replace parts at their recommended intervals even if they say it is not necessary, it ensures you won't have a break down during the season when dealers are busier and keeps you on the water instead of in the shop, however, I was told by my Tech visually check the belt every 25-50 hours myself and replace when needed since they last longer. If your timing is off they claim it is very noticable and you will hear it if you are accustome to what the engine normally sounds like. Last season I has a loose belt so they tightened it up and that was that.

The recommended intervals Yamaha states are suggested intervals although parts will last longer, after this period of time they typically deteriorate faster and you increase the chance of breaking down, but if well cared for you might get a bit more time out of it, all depends if you'dd rather do it now and be safe or wait until it is needed to be replaced and do it then. I'm a believer in preventive maintenance personally, with one of our previous boats we did not do so and we were out of the water a lot, never done that since, would rather spend a few extra bucks and stay on the water and be able to use the boat when we want then lose valuable time on the water due to repairs that were recommended.

 

[Gman25]

(3 hours of labor on each engine). They told me everything checked out okay and no replacement was necessary.

3 hrs labor on each motor and NOTHING was replaced :shock: ..Something doesnt sound right there. The belt is on top of the engine on my F250's (assuming yours are there too) under a plastic cover. Exactly what did they do that took 3 hrs??

 

[Gman25]

Last season I has a loose belt so they tightened it up and that was that.

GF how did you acquire a loose belt and how did they tighten it? My understanding is its recommended to replace the belt every 1000 hrs and its kind of an involved job. Nothing I would do. I also think its impossible for the belt to skip a tooth causing it to be out of timing.

 

[wahoo33417]

Shockwave: I'd say yes, wait another 500 hours before you have your dealer do a formal inspection of those parts. In the mean time, you can easily take a look yourself on occassion. If your dealer does your regular, 100 hour services, they should also be willing to just take a quick look at the belt and let you know if they see excessive wear. If the dealer is not willing to do that, I'd want to have a talk with them. At 1,000 hours, it will probably be worth it to replace rather than take a chance.

My dealer told me at 800 hours, when they did oil, filters, lower unit, water pump, etc., that they saw some wear on the belt and just let me know that I should plan for replacement at 1,000 hours.

Rob

 

[gerrys]

The belt is tensioned through a spring loaded tensioner and there is no adjustment. You inspect the belt by removing the top cover and rotating the flywheel in a clockwise direction using a socket wrench. Obviously power sources should be switched off and easiest if plugs are removed. Observe the belt both front side and back for heavy wear, cracking and decaying (like a crumbling old tire). Also look for rubber "dust" that might accumulate.
Timing belt failure can result in the valves and pistons meeting in a very unfriendly way - so inspections are well worth the effort. A careful inspection is easy for the lay person to perform. If you see any signs of wear or other failure, waste no time in changing it out.

 

[Shockwave61]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Gman22--I pulled out the work order and took another look at it. The labor cost was $595 and it stated that they did a "500 hour check on engines" which included checking valve clearance, timing chain and sprockets, timing chain tensioners and timing belt, and timing belt tensioners, and check of thermostats which were replaced on both engines. I remember the technician telling me that all of the above checked out okay. He also claimed that to check all of the above he really had to get into the engines. Does the above sound reasonable?

Thanks

 

[gradyfish22]

The one engine had a bad tenshioner, my Yamaha Tech did it for us. We had him check it while we were in for a tune.

 

[JUST-IN-TIME]

anytime i do a valve clearance check, i replace the belt
it takes like 10 mins to do

Oh and timing belt needs to be checked every year or 100hrs
valves are 5 years or 500 hrs

you guys might want to look at this!

http://www.4shared.com/file/90254330/6d ... TENCE.html

http://www.4shared.com/file/90254261/66 ... harts.html

this what you want to do!!