New Member & New Grady 190 Project Boat Owner

[pirate90]

Hi I am new to this group and the new owner of a boat project. The project is a Grady 1992 190 DC. A little background I recently purchased the boat, trailer and motor for $2000.00. I knew when I purchased that the motor, a Yamaha 150 hp, had issues, as it was in pieces. The hull is solid, however the vinyl is done, so I will need new cushions.

The question is the motor. When I purchased the boat the lower unit was removed and it appeared someone had tried and failed to remove the lower leg. Once I got it home I started going over it. I found the following the lower unit requires rebuild had significant amount of water in oil. I was able to spin the motor and it had approx. 100 PSI on all six cylinders. As I started going through the parts I found a corroded shift rod. Apparently the rod broke and the previous owner made an attempt to remove the head, required to replace shift rod. In the process all 6 of the long bolts which attach the head to the lower leg were sheared off.

Now for the questions, should I continue the previous owners work and spend hours to separate the head and remove broken bolts, replace shift arm $200.00. Purchase rebuilt lower unit $1000.00. Reassemble and hope I can get it fire up and there are no other issues.

Option 2, I have found a great deal on a late 90's Yamaha 130 hp in very good condition. I could sell the 150 for parts and purchase 130 hp. With this option I am into boat for less than $5000.00 I have noticed there are in fact boats of this model with 130 hp 2 stroke engines, including at least one of the members on this site. I know this is on the lower end of hp for this boat, but what kind of performance can I expect with 2 adults and 2 children. I have no need to go over 40 MPH, as the little lady does not like to go very fast with children in the boat. Most time would be spent around 25 to 30.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[GWT192]

That is a hard question. If you think that 150 has lots of hours and might give you problems get the 130! I would try and get the motor running before I purchased the new lower unit or other engine. If she sounds great and don't smoke to bad slap a new lower on but it sounds like it might be beat up. The compression sounds kind of low, get another reading after you get if fired up and has gas, oil and a good battery the numbers could go up some! good luck.

 

[gw204]

How quick do you want to be up an running?

If you need something to do over the winter, I would mess with the 150. The compression sounds low (but even and that's good), but it may come back with a decarb and a little run time. Since the powerhead mounting bolts already have the heads sheared off, then it should just be corrosion holding things together. Put some heat on it and maybe it will come loose. If you can get the powerhead off, you might be able to extract the bolts via other means.

If you can get the bolts out, replace the shift shaft and put it all back together.

Does the lower unit shift in and out of gear now. If so, drain it and fill with fresh lube. Any metal on the magnetic drain screw? Start it up on the hose and listen for any strange noises. Check the lube for water again. If both are negative, drop it in the water and idle around. Check for water/noises again. If you have water, have it resealed. If you have noises, have it rebuilt or get a rebuilt/aftermarket or used one. I would look used. Not sure that motor is worth a $1000 lower unit.

That motor isn't going to bring a lot if sold for parts. Lower unit is bad and might get you $100, shift rod is done, power head bolts are snapped off. People are going to think it's held together with salt.

 

[VeroWing]

I agree that you should at least check your existing outboard before buying another, or have someone else check it out for you. You have nice even compression, which is the most important item. I don't know where you boat, but if you are in a cold area then you have a few months to get boat in order. I would advise you to first get a Yamaha manual for this motor. Then remove lower unit and manually shift into gears and check for proper operation. If it shifts and spins correctly, then check your manual and change water pump and lower seals, and gear oil, and it is now good to go. Next get the power head removed and replace damaged shifter parts. If you have broken off bolts they will have to be grinded, drilled, and easy outed. that will be the hardest part, so take your time with it.

I would also go on ebay, craigslist, etc and find used shifter parts instead of buying from a stealership. there should be plenty of parts for that motor out there somewhere. If your lower unit only needs resealed, and you have a good powerhead, why spend for a different less powerful engine? Now if you are looking to get in the water right away, then maybe an engine swap may be the right answer for you.