I have a mid-1980's 8-hp Yamaha Tiderunner that has always been a smooth-running outboard. I removed the motor from the boat for a few weeks and just re-installed it only to find that it has developed a fatal problem.<br /><br />The motor starts on the first pull, even when cold, and idles like a kitten. If I engage the gears and proceed to troll the motor will run beautifully for a few minutes and then progressively slow down until it eventually gives in and dies - this is about the time that a small cloud of smoke begins to woft out of the motor housing. Fire extinguisher in hand I pull the cover to find a perfectly intact motor. The smoke appears to be coming from beneath the engine where it is connected to the shaft.<br /><br />I must admit that i do not know enough about this engine - mostly because it has always been unshakably reliable. Is the motor overheating? Is the ignition system failing?<br /><br />Thanks in advance...<br /><br />- Tom
