Yamaha 350- Is there a year when they were improved?

Ofishal Business

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It seems that all of the used 336 Canyons I see online have the infamous Yamaha 350. Were these problems eventually solved? If so,
what year engine would be safer to buy?

Thanks for the feedback.
 
It seems that all of the used 336 Canyons I see online have the infamous Yamaha 350. Were these problems eventually solved? If so,
what year engine would be safer to buy?

Thanks for the feedback.

I have a pair of 2018's and love them.

What your referring to is the flywheel problems. Here's what I was told by reputable people.

Between 3700 and 4300,(yes, the range most operate between..) the flywheel sets up a harmonic vibration that can be damaging to other engine components over time. The cure, or more descriptively, the Band Aid, is to replace the flywheel before it can do damage to other parts under the cowling.

Yamaha has apparently chosen not to spend the money to re-design the engines from the bottom up. Here is their solution:

When the engine has logged..crap, I can't remember whether it's 100 or 200 hrs in the above RPM register, a service light comes on. You take it to the dealership, have lunch while they pop on a new flywheel and you go again 'till the next interval.The replacement takes about an hour, I'm told, and they give you free flywheels for the life of the engine.

This is plenty fine with me. It may not be with someone else. I love these powerplants and feel they are the ideal choice for my Marlin. I plan on having the flywheels swapped out during my 100 hr service, if I can time it right.

I do not know what year they began the program I outlined above. If you are considering the 350's make certain the year your considering has a replacement plan for the flywheels that you are OK with. before committing to them. Remember, my engines are brand new. The older ones may be ones to steer clear of. Talk with knowledgeable people who can advise you.
 
I am not sure what the first year was for the 350 (2007 maybe) but the problems arose pretty quickly. Yamaha originally just repaired the engines that had the thrust bearing failure. Some folks report having to have that done 3 times on early 2008 models.The number of complaints seemed to have slowed down by 2015 most likely due to a change in the bearing and a computer change and adding a new sensor. To my knowledge Yamaha never made any formal statement about how long they would continue to do free repairs. A new 350 was introduced in mid 2016 followed b the newer C model in 2018
Personally, I have bad vibes about the early 350 models model and would avoid them. To be fair, I am basing that on what folks have posted on various websites. I have no direct experience with that motor and there are none at my boat club.
 
I'd be afraid not only for issues but resale.