So I made the plunge and got myself a boat... closing the deal this week. I get it, boats are a money pit on the water. Of course money is an issue cause I didn’t hit the powerball yet. But I can usually fix anything, build anything, or rig something up temporarily until I can get a permanent fix. I think I just need some positive reinforcement here since everyone else told me to just find a friend with a boat lol. Going to start with some cosmetic repairs and cleaning. Boat runs great with a 03’ Yamaha 225 two stroke. Hoping to get some years out of that with the 500 hours on it. Any advice would be great! Glad I found this group!
98 voyager 248
- Thread starter Jeff28
- Start date
If well maintained, those motors can last a long time. A few suggestions: See if you can find out when and what routine services were done. If you have no idea, it's best to replace the water pump (and housing;full kit) and the thermostats. While the tstats are out, take a look inside the housing for buildup. If none, great, if a little, it's OK. If heavy, you will need to use a salt disloving flush like SaltAway and applicator attachment. Replace the gaskets when you change the stats.Pull and inspect the plugs. If needed replace them. Those plugs are relatively inexpensive.Pull the prop and inspect the shaft for fishing line or oil leaks. Drain, inspect the lower unit oil. The lower unit holds a tad over a quart of oil. Try to collect and measure the oil you drained out. You won't get it all but if there is less than 3/4 of a quart, you need to find out why. Check for mikly white color or metal particles. If you have access to a tester, this is the time to do a pressure/vacuum test. It's nice to know but if everything checks out, the test isn't critical. The lower plug has a magnetic stud on it and usually will have a bit of metal filings on it . That is normal. Milky oil is not normal and indicates water in the oil. When you refill, use new gaskets. They are also pretty inexpensive and in general should not be reused.
When you gas up, use a fuel additive to reduce carbon buildup. RingFree is Yamaha's brand but take a deep breath before you look at the price
There are other similar products that cost less. Note that these products are not fuel stabilizers. I don't use stabilizers during the boating season, just for winter lay-up.
Flush the motor after every outing with fresh water.
Unless you have a real good good reason to do so, do not pull the O2 sensor or open the VST tank. As is the case with boats, I am sure things will pop up. Address then as they happens
When you gas up, use a fuel additive to reduce carbon buildup. RingFree is Yamaha's brand but take a deep breath before you look at the price
There are other similar products that cost less. Note that these products are not fuel stabilizers. I don't use stabilizers during the boating season, just for winter lay-up.Flush the motor after every outing with fresh water.
Unless you have a real good good reason to do so, do not pull the O2 sensor or open the VST tank. As is the case with boats, I am sure things will pop up. Address then as they happens
wahoo33417
GreatGrady Captain
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Congrats! I have almost a decade of experience with that model and possibly engine if it is an ox66. If ox66, seasick is spot on.
After 9 years I have the old 225 running better than ever. Unfortunately I dont know exactly what I did this year that made such an improvement with low speed operation! It runs so good now that I might not replace it.
Techron marine is a new stabilizer/decarboning product at a great price point compared to ringfree. Word is it is the same stuff as ringfree plus a stabilizer. Bought some, but haven't run through my stock of old snake oil yet to try it!
After 9 years I have the old 225 running better than ever. Unfortunately I dont know exactly what I did this year that made such an improvement with low speed operation! It runs so good now that I might not replace it.
Techron marine is a new stabilizer/decarboning product at a great price point compared to ringfree. Word is it is the same stuff as ringfree plus a stabilizer. Bought some, but haven't run through my stock of old snake oil yet to try it!
Maybe I should have all take a vacation down to my house and all go over the boat at once lol. But thank you guys for the info! Greatly appreciated!! I will probably be a regular staple on this site always lookin for improvements and help with fixing shit!