Maintenance Mistake Made

[SunshineState]

Hello Members,

New guy here to boating. My dad purchased a Yamaha SX240 earlier this year as a new family boat. It's been a great summer but we overlooked a key maintenance item and we want to know how screwed we are. At 10 hours we performed the oil change which went just fine but we forgot to grease the jet pump bearing. We are now at 65 hours for the summer. I ordered the grease and gun for it and I wont even turn on the boat until it gets done. For those with experience, how screwed are we? Is the jet pumped going to fail soon? What are signs of failure or premature wear and tear? Any noises to pay attention to? Paranoid here, please advise.

 

[Matt Phillips]

Mine says to grease after the initial service every 100 hours but I usually do it every 20 hours. I also remove the bottom of the hoses and reattach with zip ties. When mine get dry, they start to sound like bbs in a coffee can.

Any grease gun will work and I personally use royal purple for the trailer and boat.

 

[SunshineState]

I also remove the bottom of the hoses and reattach with zip ties.

Thanks for the reply. Which hoses do are you referring to?

 

[Matt Phillips]

The grease zirks are located at the back top of each engine. There's a hose that runs down the back of the engine to the housing where the bearings are located. I usually lay on top of the engine and then follow the hose to the bottom, remove the zip tie, then pump the hose full of grease. The first time it took about10 pumps per hose. I then reinstall the hose, zip tie it, and give the grease gun 1-3 more pumps until the hose is firm.

While you're doing that, get some spray grease with silicone in it and spray to the steering cables behind your dash. This will help keep themlubedandmovingmuch better.

 

[biglar155]

Thanks for the reply. Which hoses do are you referring to?

Need another 2014 owner to reply but I don't think the 2014s have those hoses.

 

[Evildwarf]

your boat does not have the rubber hoses on the zirc fittings for your intermediate shaft bearing. There is a zirc fitting on top of each of the bearing housings.
The grease in the intermediate bearing is only a water seal, the actual bearing assembly is a sealed bearing so you won't actually be greasing it. The grease in the assembly only acts as an additional water seal.
So, don't panic. You definitely need to push a small amount of grease into the bearing housing but you hav not ruined your boat.
You will push a small amount of grease into the housing, apply grease very slowly and only a small amount. The owners manual is not much help. The amount of grease is like an ounce and a half or less, I can't remember. The key is to push the grease very slowly or you could damage the seals in the bearing housing.
I compress the grease gun handle over its full range as I slowly count to ten. That keeps me from applying the grease to rapidly. Not very scientific but the process is not very well defined by Yamaha.
Have fun with the boat!

 

[Big Shasta]

your boat does not have the rubber hoses on the zirc fittings for your intermediate shaft bearing. There is a zirc fitting on top of each of the bearing housings.
The grease in the intermediate bearing is only a water seal, the actual bearing assembly is a sealed bearing so you won't actually be greasing it. The grease in the assembly only acts as an additional water seal.
So, don't panic. You definitely need to push a small amount of grease into the bearing housing but you hav not ruined your boat.
You will push a small amount of grease into the housing, apply grease very slowly and only a small amount. The owners manual is not much help. The amount of grease is like an ounce and a half or less, I can't remember. The key is to push the grease very slowly or you could damage the seals in the bearing housing.
I compress the grease gun handle over its full range as I slowly count to ten. That keeps me from applying the grease to rapidly. Not very scientific but the process is not very well defined by Yamaha.
Have fun with the boat!

Exactly. Since you're not greasing the bearing, just keeping the seal from drying out, you'll be fine. Run it like you stole it!

 

[Shuck Water]

You are fine. Most of us are obsessed with maintenance and do much more than the average boat owner. Get the gun and measure the amount per pump and do the recommended 10 hour plus an extra pump or two unless it gets harder to pump then you are good to go.

 

[MikeyL]

@Evildwarf and @Big Shasta gave you excellent advice.
If you aren't sure yet, go back and re-read their comments twice more each.

Three "strokes" with a good grease gun is more than enough.
Then go enjoy your wonderful new boat.

Many best wishes your way, Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[itsdgm]

Welcome aboard @SunshineState and congrats on the new boat. As the guys above has already stated, you've caught this well within time. Just make sure to not over grease them. That can cause seal issues if you blow them out.