Bryan 2530
Well-known member
This was posted by a Yamaha tech on a local fishing website I belong to, some sound info on this subject which basically confirms my findings on this issue.
-2002-2004 were the years that are affected.
-Mostly due to high salinity and high water temps (FL).
-Flushing engines HELPS DRAMATCIALLY!
-Ethanol fuel produces an acid as a by product in the exhaust, this acid is extremely corrosive to aluminum.
-Running a fuel stabilizer ALL YEAR helps tremendously. Oil based stabilizers seem to reduce the effects of the ethanol, and leave a coating on all surfaces.
-Ring Free is oil based, not proven, but likely to help reduce the effect.
I have seen first hand F225's with 5000+ hrs. Maintenance is the biggest factor. Follow it to a T, and you will decrease the probability of issues. It is not unlikely to get over 2500hrs out of todays 4 strokes. I have seen many over 2000hrs.