Expert: Jeff Grigg - 1/22/2008

Question
Hello my name is Joe and  i have a question for you.. i  have a 24 ft grady white with a 2003 yamaha 250hp 2 stroke with 102 hrs on it...i had a problem with it in november and learned that i blew a piston and had to have a brand new power head put on..the engine was under warranty so it didnt cost me anything.. im wondering if i should worry about this engine when i go out on the water this boating season.. is this a typical problem that can lead to others or should my engine be ok.. the yamaha techs that fixed it said i should be ok but dont go full throttle for the first 8 hrs...can u also tell me what  the details on the power head.. i just recently got into boating 3 yrs ago..so im learning as i go.... thanks very much joe...

Answer
Joe you probably don't have anything to worry about. You do need to ask the shop what caused the failure and has that been corrected. If so no worry, if they don't know or couldn't find anything then I would worry a little. You need to know that the problem that caused the failure was found and corrected.
The first 10 hours or so of use you will need to break in the engine. Call the dealer and ask him for a written copy of the break in instructions and follow them.
If the original problem was found and you break in the engine right you should have many seasons of fun boating.
Jeff