We all show up here when looking at new boats/motors. I am looking at a new to me boat and it sports a '97 Yamaha VMAX 3.1L engine. This engine has been in saltwater. Should I be careful?
He also stated the factory had a recall on the motor and power head and said it was changed 30 hours ago.
Opinons on this purchase?
Thank you in advance!
Personally, I'd be careful. Headbolts have a tendancy to get rusted and weak, as well as a few other bolts.
Thanks Buzz - I want to have him take it to a mech of my choice. He is near New Orleans. Of course I don't know of any. When I do figure it out - what should I tell the mech to do. Compression/leak and overall evalulation of the engine. Any specifics to ask him to look at? Can he look at the head bolts easily?
Thanks in advance!
I'd just tell him that the engine was used in salt water. I think a decent mechanic would know where to look for trouble.
There was no recall on powerheads? Have your mechanic sheck the clamp brkts and the gearcase bolts for corrosion. The general apperance will be salty looking if not properly maintained?
There was no recall on powerheads? Have your mechanic check the clamp brkts and the gearcase bolts for corrosion. The general apperance will be salty looking if not properly maintained?
He stated that the factory recall the mechanic had the power head off and stated everything looked fine.
Do you know what the recall would have been for if they had to remove the power head?
Again; much thanks to everyone for their help.
Louis
Also - when I get the serial number would someone on here be able to run it for me?
Thanks
A story...
In the spring of '97 I went boat shopping. One dealership had a "new" Javelin 400T. The price seemed ok, but then I saw what looked like a dealer sticker on the side of the boat. When I questioned the sticker (from GA and the boat was here in NC), the salesman said it was manufactured at the GA plant! Needless to say, I didn't buy that boat, or any boat from that dealership (Javelins were made in TN).
I guess I'm saying "buyer beware". Wayne would know about any factory recalls and if he says none were done, then I'd stay clear of that engine, or have a different mechanic, who you know and trust, take a look at it.
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