Yamaha squeal-Big Crappie or Seahorse

[stcriox]

I know this topic has been covered at length in other threads, but I am looking for some information to pique my curiosity. I can search through old threads for some details.

I have a 2008 150 hp Yamaha tiller. The motor has approximately 86 hours on it. I started to notice the squeal that seems to be common on Yamaha outboards (my old 2001 80 hp 4-stroke did the same thing).

I know Seahorse has addressed this issue and a possible tech bulletin from Yamaha. I called one of the local Yamaha service shops in the area and they told me they have never heard of this issue. Am I crazy? I have seen enough information on this topic that I thought most Yamaha techs would know about this.

Seahorse said the fix is to drop the lower unit and replace a bushing (??) and apply a new type of grease (??). Is this correct, Seahorse? If so, shouldn't the shops have this information?

Big Crappie, if Yamaha is aware of this issue, should they (or maybe they started in 2009) be putting this new bushing and the new grease on at the factory? Just curious.

I need to get the problem fixed. It is annoying, especially sitting next to the engine like you do on a tiller rig.

Thanks for any information!

[seahorse]

Yamaha Tech Exchange Bulletin #O2007-010 dated 7-02-07

A new grease has been introduced to reduce operating
noise from the driveshaft, driveshaft support
bushing and the oil pump seals while operating
at low speed.
Yamaha Grease WR No. 2 (P/N: 90790-74046-
00), has the following features:
• Resistance to becoming liquid
• Resistance to oil separation
• Improved water insolubility
• Superior resistance to wear and load
• Superior corrosion resistance under harsh
conditions
This water-submersible grease can be used in
place of molybdenum disulfi de grease.
Yamaha Grease WR No. 2 can be used in the following
areas:
• The splined coupling between the crankshaft
and driveshaft
• The oil pump seals
• The contact surface between the driveshaft
support bushing and driveshaft
Thoroughly clean an area of other greases
before applying Yamaha Grease WR No. 2. Do
not mix with other types of grease in the same
area. Mixing with other types of grease will not
produce the desired results.
Yamaha Grease WR No. 2 can now be ordered
from the Yamaha Parts & Accessories

[MarkG]

Does this apply to any and all models and horsepower?

[stcriox]

Thanks for the great information, Seahorse

[seahorse]

Does this apply to any and all models and horsepower?


the new grease is for all Yamaha outboards

[Yamiman]

I have been spraying the bushing area, under the cowling on my F90 after reading about it on this site. Someone had posted photos of where to spray the silicone lubricant. I have good results in getting rid of the squeal. I just spray it after every trip out.

Seahorse, do you think this is OK to do or should I have this special grease installed ? Am I crating any issues by using the silicone spray ?

Appreciate your feedback.

Thanks

[corvette744]

i had a similar problem with my old boat had a 80hp tiller,but mine was always lower unit.It seems that if you fish when it is freezing out and pull the boat out their is still some water trapped above the seal for the water pump.When this freezes it ****s the seal and water gets in to the lower unit-it happened 3or 4 times,and the yes warranty always covered it.I thought it was just ridiculos-they were telling me to keep it in a heated garage or not to go fishng in below freezing temps-that's not going to happen.The rivers are always on fire then and im supposed to sit at home wrong.

[cjbrown]

Anyone having warranty cover this I'd like to know. My dealer tells me Yamaha flat refuses to fix this annoying problem under warranty, saying it is a normal wear issue.

[went522]

They fixed mine under warranty a couple years ago. Wish the fix would have lasted...just started making noise again YESTERDAY!! :barf:
Time to go back to the silicone spray!

BIRDDOG

[stcriox]

I just spoke with a Yamaha mechanic in my area. While the first tech I spoke with had not heard of the squeal problem, this tech told me the work IS NOT covered under warranty.

It sounds like some techs and dealerships are covering this problem under warranty, and others are not. So much for clarification!

[seahorse]

It sounds like some techs and dealerships are covering this problem under warranty, and others are not. So much for clarification!


The thing to remember is that a Yamaha warranty declines after the first year, no matter if it is a 2 yr. or 3 yr. coverage. Perhaps the ones who were not charged were in their first year of warranty.

Maybe a call to Yamaha customer service might answer the question.

[PJM]

Seahorse

Where is the driveshaft support bushing, is it down by the water pump or up higher near the crankshaft?

[stcriox]

Thank you for the information, Seahorse.

I had a lengthy discussion with the tech in my area. He was very forthright and honest with me. He told me that last year they submitted some claims to Yamaha for the squeal fix. However, Yamaha refused to cover the work, claiming the noise was as a result of normal wear and did not impact the performance. The dealer had to "eat" the submitted bills.

My assumption is that those who had the work covered by the warranty were fortunate because some of the dealerships were, at the time, not aware that this was a problem not covered by warranty.

The tech told me the work takes less than one hour (he would only bill me for 1/2 hour shop time!). There is a special tool that runs up the driveshaft to clean off all of the old grease and apply the new style of grease.

I plan on spending the roughly $50 to have the problem fixed. On a tiller rig the noise can get annoying.

Hopefully Yamaha will begin using the new grease on all new model years of engines.