Cracked Power Head on Yamaha 2010 VF225

[dnlewis2008]

We have a 2010 VF225LA. Less than 200 hours. Purchased used on a Premier 25 pontoon in August last year and used about 50 hours by us without any issues. When it went into the water this year it started fine. But when marina restarted, it wouldn't start. Water in oil pan. Cleaned out, tried again and hydrolocked again. Eventually Yamaha dealer took it apart to find power head was cracked and needed to be replaced. And, said that there was so much corrosion in the cylinders that he could not in good conscience fix just the power head as we would have major problems within the year relating to the corrosion. All in, just over $21,000 to repair. And given that we could get a new motor for not that much more than that, they recommended not repairing. Warranty expired March 2014.

None of the dealers that we have spoken to have ever heard of a powerhead cracking like this. Has anyone ever heard of this? And any thoughts on corrosion? I have heard that early versions of this engine 2002-2005 had this issue. Trying to decide whether we repair engine or junk it. So far Yamaha's response has been that we are out of luck. That problems such as this are normally caused by inadequate warm up procedures. Which seems odd given how few hours the engine has.

Boat in on Georgian Bay, so fresh water, and used only in spring/summer months.

Any help/thoughts much appreciated.

David

 

[Propwash79]

Sound like someone may haven't properly winterized the motor and old man winter is having a laugh at you...

 

[Capt Ken]

Possible if the engine was not tilted properly to ensure water drainage but rare. The replacement cost appears to be way out of the ballpark if you are talking about US dollars.