Yamaha Motor Repair (skeg) Suggestions

I hit a rock with my 4-stroke 90 Yamaha (ouch). I have a hairline crack that is very slowly seeping fluid from the skeg/lower unit. Anyone have suggestions for authorized Yamaha service places, preferably in the Northern Minneapolis suburbs? This is still under warranty, and I know this is not a covered repair but I want my warranty to be intact. I’m inclined to replace the entire housing instead of just welding the skeg – does this make sense since it’s basically still a new motor that I plan on keeping a long while? The dealer I bought it from is in White Bear, and I don’t want to take it that far if not required.

Anyone give me an idea what I might be looking at for the repair? Thanks.

Dave

My suggestion is to turn it into insurance and replace the whole lower unit. If you have lube leaking from a crack that has penetrated the housing you’ve got a pretty serious issue on your hands. I’ve heard of several attempts at welding those housings that have gone bad. In the end the lower unit lube was compromised and the gears ended up shot after the effort.

I just had my motor in for some warranty work at Rapid Sports. I didn’t buy my boat there but I brought it in on Monday afternoon and picked it up on Friday. They did a good job for me.

Dave

I fully agree with what James is stating. Your housing is aluminum and holds tight tolerances for gear lash. It could be possible that the crack could torque the housing and put things out of tolerance.

If insurance won’t cover it, then call the dealers and find out who does their welding so you get a reliable person who has experience specifically on this.

Thanks for the advice. I took the advice, called the insurance company and plan on replacing the whole lower unit. Sounds like money (deductible) well spent! Thanks again.

Dave

I have referred several friends to Hannays for Yamaha work and they have been satisfied with the outcome.