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Broken Idler Bearing Yamaha Outboard

Charlie_Lake_Conroe

Charlie_Lake_Conroe

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Hi, in October 2025, as I was pulling into my dock, my engine died. I tried starting a couple times, but it would not start. Fortunately, I was able to coast in and put on the lift. The dealer's mobile tech came out, pulled the cover, and found the idler bearing for the timing belt had broken, so we transported the boat to the dealer. They repaired the idler bearing and put on a new timing belt to then discover the motor had no compression and suggested I replace the Power Head with part # 6AW-11000-02-00 (full motor replacement not available, part # 6AWX 1018665). The motor has about 300 hours, all service done at the dealer, warranty expired March 2024 and there was no noise or squealing in advance of the damage. Today, I learned the Dealer’s request to Yamaha for a Goodwill exception was denied (Yamaha customer service told me the request had to come from the Dealer vs. the customer), so I must cover the full cost of the Power Head replacement, in addition to the earlier repair of the idler bearing and new timing belt. I put all this detail together for other Bennington owners to consider when selecting a motor (my boat was custom ordered and I selected Yamaha over other manufacturers) and to consider the extended warranty (which I declined). I have learned “interference” engines are prone to major damage (Google AI “An interference engine is a design where pistons and valves occupy the same space; if the timing belt breaks, pistons slam into open valves, causing severe damage like bent valves, damaged pistons, and cylinder head issues, leading to costly repairs or engine replacement”). Happy New Year to me! I welcome any other options/suggestions.
 
Oh dear! Sorry to hear about all of this. Thanks for sharing the motor info. I am not the most mechanically knowledgeable, but I appreciate an expensive debacle when I hear one. Not the way to end 2025 with boating.
 
Sorry to hear about the expensive repair. 300 hours on a Yamaha doesn’t seem high or unusual and good advice regarding the extended warranty. Just curious, what size engine, although I know that doesn’t change anything.
 
Thanks Toddk9. It is interesting that I don’t see his signature unless I turn my phone. I will have to look at my settings.
 
Google Yamah 350 problems. These engines are known to have major flywheel issues and timing belt issues. Yamaha put out a bulletin on them.
 
Crappy situation for sure. Disappointed to hear about this from Yamaha. I’ve heard the 350’s should be avoided. I wonder if that is still true on the latest generation. I am actually going to replace my idler pulley and timing belt next month while I pull it for its annual service. Also going to check for mid section dry corrosion issues which are starting to show up in the f200’s.
 
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