Yanmar YSM8 - Good deal or ?

[catskipper]

Have an opportunity to purchase a Yanmar YSM8 with wiring harness for $600 US. While I can find spare parts for the engine (belts, impellers, etc) I can't find a manual, nor can I discover if this is a good deal or not. The marina owner re-engined an HA18 catboat with a new yanmar for the owner, and the owner is selling the engine that was replaced (it spent too long getting a new transmission seal installed at a rebuilder and they were losing the entire sailing season). The marina operator (apparently no financial involvement) said it runs nicely and is going to run it again when I pick it up to confirm it's health.

I have a 20' centerboard Catboat that has the deadwood bored for a shaft but an engine has never been installed, and this seemed like a nice match.

Scott

 

[Rick]

Engine getting fairly old now - think YSM's are around 1978-1980 (amazing - there are YSE, YSB and YSM where e=early, b=between, and m=modern!) If it runs fine, then no probs - parts are still available but check that it hasn't got lots of corrosion - a new exhaust elbow may well cost more than the engine alone.

 

[salamicollie]

As stated if the engine runs well it and is in reasonable condition it will give good service. While some aprts are getting hard to find e.g. cylinder liners, some of the parts are common to the newer GM Series.

The only engine manual published was for the YSE which you might still find. Yanmar agent should be able to get you one or try www.yanmarhelp.com - unofficial yanmar site who may be able to put you in toouch with some one with a manual.

 

[Manos_Greece]

I used to have an YSE 8 on my boat and I only changed it since I couldn't find easily spares in Greece. It is a litlle smoky and noisy but if in good condition it is trustworthy. You can download a manual and a parts list from this page in my site: http://www.sailingboatefaki.gr/Engine%20Manuals.htm I scaned them in low resolution but it is readable and you can get the idea.
Regards,
Manos