Yanmar Engine Problems

[Mariner]

I don't know anything about the engine, but I would certainly demand your money back from the mechanic who gave you the incorrect information. I have had luck with this in the past.

I once took my Tahoe into the local Chevy dealership to investigate an odd clunking noise when shifting and going over bumps. I paid $190 and they found nothing. The mechanic said he couldn't recreate the symptom. As I pulled out of the parking lot, already steaming mad, I heard the clunk. I pulled back into the lot and looked underneath the car. It took me about ten seconds to see that the transmission bolts that attached it to the cross-member were missing. I walked right back in and demanded my money back. They had to have a manager review it, but a few days later I got a call saying I could pick up a check for $190. I did, and promtly cashed it.

The best part, however, was that about two weeks later, I received another $190 check in the mail from them labeled "refund". I cashed that one as well and never felt the slightest twinge of guilt.

[jpwrist]

No definitive numbers on fuel consumption. I lost one of the receipts. But assuming that the lost receipt was for 70 gallons and it would be about 80 gallons to refill now I get a total of 730 gallons. I calculate we did 1700 miles (2X755 intercoastal mile markers and an extra 200 miles for a side trip to Lake Charles, Pensacola and some other minor side trips). Using those assumptions, fuel consumption comes to 2.3 miles/gallon. Note, the cost for fuel varied from $2.09/gal to $3.09/gal and that was not a price of oil related item but was related to where it was purchased. If you want cheap diesel, go to Intercoastal City, Louisiana; but don't expect to find anything else there.

[chiefrcd]

jpwrist,
This is what I did when I learned that this problem existed. I contacted my district Yanmar Distributor which in Virginia is Mac Boring. The were very cooperative regarding my concern. I was having the clacking noise.....but I wish I had known about this because from what I gather the clacking noise is your valves hitting the top of the piston. Because of this noise, I then contacted my local Yanmar Service Center ( Deltaville Boat Yard ) and had them contact Mac Boring. They agreed to pay for the replacement parts, which I think included: seals, caps, guides and keepers. This repair was right at $1000.00 and they paid all but $35.00 I also switch to Amsoil because I like synthetic and it's a personal preference for me. After the valve seal work, my engine truly ran like a different engine...much more responsive and much more quiet. I think if I were you I'd find out who the distributor for your engine was and contact them...then work out getting the work done through them.

as far as milage goes...Tom, I'm burning 7 gals. a hour at 16 mph at 2650 rpms....and 10 gal a hour at 20 mph at 3250 rpms....just checked it today with my flow scan.

[Saltdog]

My engine is also included in the extended warranty which runs out in Oct of 2008. My service tech told me I have the wrong valve seals, and he notified Albin. As of now nothing has been done about it.

To date I have had no problems, but what are the tell tail signs that people have experienced before failure?

Thanks

TS

[jcollins]

TS,
I don't think contacting Albin will help. Perhaps you should contact Yanmar.
Send a note to chiefrcd.

[jms02050]

I've read quite a bit about the valve issue on the Yanmars, and the settlement doesn't indicate if Yanmar would cover if somebody had the valve issue fixed before bad things happened. I know a large number of folks on this board have engines in the affected range, and I'm curious to how you've addressed (or chosen not to) the issue?
- Was there a "kit" for a fix? If yes, approximate cost?
- Did most of you address the issue or take a wait and see approach?
- Did Yanmar cover a proactive approach?

My concern relates to purchasing a 28TE with this known issue. Knowing what the fix involves, how big a job, and a rough cost would help me sleep a bit. The owners of the boats that I've looked at know nothing of the Yanmar issue.

Thanks in advance,

Jim