Yamaha 20 hp

[scottgrissom]

I have a 1999 Yamaha 20 hp mlhx that is not running, sort of? It will run for a few seconds and then all of the sudden it will stop. I try to pull the cord and it will not budge. If I take the coil with the pull cord off and put it back on, I can pull the cord again and start it up. It will continue to run but then all of the sudden just stop.

I took it into the local Yamaha dealer and they told me that it had a loose piston and that it would need to be fixed. He also mentioned that the lower skirt might need to be replaced. I asked how much all of this would cost, and he said that it would be around $1,500. Is this a normal price? If not, what is the ballpark of how much I should be willing to pay? Also, how hard would it be if I wanted to try and repair it on my own? I do not have that much experience with outboard motors, but I grew up working on cars. I would not be afraid of working on it unless there is some special tool or technique that I would need to use or know.

This was a motor that my Dad and I picked up for less than $200, so I am willing to put some money into getting it repaired, but at the same time I don?t want to overpay.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Scott

 

[adamjthompson]

Re: Yamaha 20 hp

I don't know if that is a fair price for the repair, but I think you could probably buy another 20HP outboard around the same age for $1,500.

 

[99yam40]

Re: Yamaha 20 hp

Do not know what a loose piston would mean.

Sounds like piston is seizing in cylinder, but would not have anything to do with pulling starter ,just letting motor cool off.
maybe the start in neutral interlock causing problem?
I have also seen a lower unit seize up and then break loose once cooled off.

Might try checking compression 1st and then looking at lower unit oil for any signs of problems like water or metal in oil.

$200 is cheap, probably they knew it had problems when they sold it