Blown Vmax

[Sad Yamaha Guy]

Just blew a hole in the side of my block on a 2000 model year 175 VMax. I was running wide open across 45 feet of crystal clear water and it went. No clunk, actually sounded like it did once when I had encountered a big old wrap of line I picked up in the water. I actually thought I just ran it out of gas (on my way in of course). I gassed up and it didn't go. I lifted the hood to find metal remnants below a quarter size hole in the block.

I'm 9 months out of the extended warranty; Anyone ever heard of this kind of blow? What can possibly cause it? I had no warning lights, (i.e. overheat, low oil...). And, any idea what this will cost to repair?

Thanks, and I am not afraid to say this stinks.

[PJM]

Sad Yamaha Guy


The thing about running wide open is that the motor has a rev limiter that will shut the motor down if your rpm are to high. So I don't think you over rev the motor. Here is what I would do call Yamaha direct and talk to someone in customer service and see what they think. Have you had the motor serviced at a dealer and are you running there oil might help. How you come across might determine if they will take a look at it or not. Make sure you have the answers to the questions they might ask. If they tear the motor down and find out it was a service problem they might not help. I had a friend call Dodge about a bad transmission on his van and even though it was out of warrnaty the paid fo over half because he had service records. Kiss some tail when you call, it might go along way. It is worth a try.

[phil disco]

You are a liar. No Yamaha engine or any product witht the Yamaha name has ever had a fouled spark plug let alone a thrown rod. I'll thank you to admit that you are actually the owner of an American made outboard.

[Sad Yamaha Guy]

Oh how I wish I could say that were the case. I'm headed to my dealer first thing in the morning with the same message. I too have never heard of such a failure on a Yamaha motor. It has to be some kind of defect. I got the boat the fall of 2001 and have loved this motor! You're right, you usually hear about blown Opti's, never a Vmax, but alas, I find myself with a Skeeter (so you know it's a Yamaha) with a Vmax that doesn't run. I'm hoping the dealer can help me plead my case to Yamaha. Wish me luck.