[gr8rg8r]

Hi,I have a 1996 Yamaha 40 horse with tiller that I would like to convert to remote control. My local Yamaha dealer says Yamaha doesn't sell a conversion "kit" but it is obvious on gear lever that there are bolt holes to attach the shift cable.Does anyone have the part numbers or experience with this? The dealer said I should sell this tiller engine and look for one with controls but this engine has only 30 hours (all in freshwater) and the engine, under the cowling, looks brand new.Richard

[rastoga]

I have a 1988 40 hp that was converted by the dealer when new. Your conversion should be possible if you can find all the parts you need. You'll have to do some legwork yourself probably because your dealer is more interested in selling you another motor. You can find a complete parts catalog with exploded diagrams on the yamaha web site (parts.yamaha-motor.com). You can compare your model to the remote control model. Determine which parts and part numbers are different in the control mechanisms. With a little comparison work you should be able to generate a complete list of the parts you'll need. Take your list to a dealer and order the parts. Be prepared to wait a long time since most of these parts will be backordered and have to be brought in from Japan. If you're lucky you can find a parts motor that has what you need.Obviously you'll have to see if the parts cost less than what you'd lose trading your engine. There are some dealers online that can give you good parts prices. I've also regularly seen yamaha remote controls for sale on e-bay. Make sure you get the correct push or pull throttle version for your motor.Good luck and let us know how it turns out.