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Author Topic:   SEI Lower units

6992WHALER posted 01-26-2011 02:10 PM ET (US)
I have to replace one of my 1992 200 horse Yamaha lower units. I cannot find very much information (good or bad) on SEI after market lower units. Does anyone have any personal experience with these units? The cost is almost half of the coast of a re-manufactured Yamaha unit. This makes them very interesting since I have twins and am contemplating changing both units. They come with a three-year warranty that covers any damage to the drive.
John
Buckda posted 01-26-2011 02:32 PM ET (US)
The Screamandfly.com guys seem to be of mixed opinion about them for their high performance applications. cf: http://www.screamandfly.com/archive/index.php/t-178720.html
I didn't realize you needed this repair. Sorry to hear about it. I hope that you get strong feedback from users here and can save on the new lower units!
Dave
Tohsgib posted 01-26-2011 02:38 PM ET (US)
Do a search as we have discussed this a few times. I would buy one in a heartbeat and my mechanic sells the heck out of them and no complaints yet. They are only a few miles from me so no shipping as well.
Tohsgib posted 01-26-2011 02:40 PM ET (US)
PS: if the 150 and 200 are the same lowers my bud has a used pair (CR) for sale as both powerheads are shongo.
Tom W Clark posted 01-26-2011 02:40 PM ET (US)
I would buy a good used OE lower unit before I bought an imitation lower unit for a lot more money.
A perfectly good used lower unit can be had for $500-$1000. I paid $500 for a V6 lower unit a few years ago (off of Scream and Fly) and it was perfect and is still running strong today.
Given that old motors like yours typically die from powerhead failure, there are a lot of perfectly good lower units just sitting out there.
dscew posted 01-26-2011 03:41 PM ET (US)
I contacted them for info on their outdrives after seeing a comment about corrosion and paint loss on their products. They responded to me and said their finishes aren't the best but they're "working on it." That was enough for me to stay away. Preventing corrosion is really important even in fresh water, especially when there is shorepower all around.
AZdave posted 01-26-2011 03:45 PM ET (US)
I have had no problem with one of these lower units on a 135-HP Mercury. It takes longer than you think to go slow on the break in period. I don't disagree with Tom, but I was feeling unlucky on used stuff at that point in time. Dave
6992WHALER posted 01-26-2011 03:54 PM ET (US)
Thanks. AZdave: Have you had any paint problems?
Tom: I am not sure I want to replace a working used lower unit with used lower unit.
John
Tom W Clark posted 01-26-2011 04:07 PM ET (US)
John - If yours is working, why are you replacing it?
Another advantage of buying used: no waiting for the break-in period to end.
6992WHALER posted 01-26-2011 05:15 PM ET (US)
Only one is dead, but both are the same age. I have replaced both power heads. I think I would just feel better if I had new or rebuilt lower units that have never seen salt water. I might be a little paranoid but I don't trust the second lower unit completely now. If I go rebuild or used I would only replace the one this year and then budget to replace the second one in the near future. But if I go after market I probably will replace both now.
AZdave posted 01-27-2011 12:59 AM ET (US)
I lost a chip of paint about the size of my little fingernail. I'm not sure whether it was a defect or a bump during installation.
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2011 10:40 AM ET (US)
WHAT??? You want to replace a lower unit as preventative maintenance? That is a first and probably the last I will EVER hear that again. It is a lower unit, not a spark plug.
Buckda posted 01-27-2011 11:33 AM ET (US)
His money, his boat.
Check the maps for the beloved SeaTow and BoatUS/Vessel Assist on Lake Superior. Neither have ANY service on the entire lake. Self reliance is an important quality on the Northern Lakes, as a single tow from 40 miles offshore with a local tow/salvage company could cost more than the price of a lower unit.
If a new lower unit will help him trust the other engine, then only he and his family can decide if it's worth the expense.
After all, there are a lot of folks who won't pay the premium for the safety features on a big luxury automobile...and then there are others who will.
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 12:24 PM ET (US)
OK if I decide to replace a working nineteen year old engine, is that not preventive maintenance. How many people on this site have replaced working engines?
After replacing both power heads 4 years ago it would be foolish to replace the engines, but if I replace the lower units do I not basically have two new engines?
If I do go with the SEI lower units it would be nice to do the break in for both units at the same time.
I have a 1991 90 Force (yes I said Force) outboard on my Sakonnet, I bought that engine new, I have maintained it, I completely trust that engine, and have no thoughts of replacing its lower unit. I also have a 1982 25 merc that runs great that my father bought new.
I bought the 1992 Yamahas used, a power head failed 45 miles out (blew a hole in the side of the engine) . After the 6 hour crawl home on glass calm seas, I had both power heads torn down both needed to be replaced. Two summers before that both engines had great compression and passed a leak down test they ran nice and sounded good.
This time the lower unit failed during the last two miles of a 26 mile crossing in 4-6 foot seas, I really would like to trust these engines. So yes I am contemplating removing a working lower unit and replacing it with new gears or a new lower unit.
Back to the original question about SEI lower units, I did do a search of this site and the internet to find information on these units, I found lots of people talking about them but very few people who actually owned one. I think on Continuous Wave only 2 people actually claim to have them on their boats?
I really appreciate AZdave's first hand knowledge.
Any info on these units would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance
John
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2011 01:23 PM ET (US)
I would have to say the 3 year warranty says a lot in itself. A rebuild you usually get none or very little.
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 01:30 PM ET (US)
I agree that 3 year any failure warranty is enticing.
jimh posted 01-27-2011 01:51 PM ET (US)
I believe the product under discussion is shown here:
http://www.sterndrive.cc/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SE& Category_Code=YamahaLowerUnit
I am amazed at the (low) price of these components. Let me ask to be clear: do these replacement gear case assemblies contain all the gears, shafts, bearings, seals, and so on? Or are they just the aluminum castings? The prices seem too low to be a complete working gear case assembly!
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2011 02:01 PM ET (US)
Complete Jim and very nice to boot. They caused used gearcases to be close to worthless overnight. You used to be able to sell a used unit for $750, now maybe half.
Tom W Clark posted 01-27-2011 02:02 PM ET (US)
Yes, that is the price of a complete, ready to bolt on, lower unit. Pretty amazing how Chinese manufacturing brings the price down, eh?
I agree the three year no-fault, no questions asked, warranty is impressive, *if* it is as advertised.
If you buy two new SEI lower units, you will be able to recoup some of your expenditure by selling your existing lower unit that is trouble free, especially if it is the standard rotation one. Even the damaged one may have some parts value.
You should be able to sell the good gearcase for $500 or more.
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 02:02 PM ET (US)
Hi Jim,
They are complete units, ready to bold on and go.
John
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 02:06 PM ET (US)
I don't think we could have all typed at the same time if we tried.
Tom the still running one is the counter rotating, but yes I plan to sell it.
Tohsgib posted 01-27-2011 02:53 PM ET (US)
Tom as far as I know these units are made in Florida, not China.
Tom W Clark posted 01-27-2011 02:56 PM ET (US)
Assembled in Florida. The components are made in China.
Tom W Clark posted 01-27-2011 03:11 PM ET (US)
SEI does not appear to sell any counter rotating gearcases.
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 03:12 PM ET (US)
Does anyone know were the rebuild parts for a Yamaha lower unit come from? (country of manufacture)
6992WHALER posted 01-27-2011 03:13 PM ET (US)
They are selling them spring 2011
AZdave posted 01-27-2011 05:00 PM ET (US)
I'm really glad I don't own anything else with parts made in China.
jimh posted 01-28-2011 07:44 AM ET (US)
The (low) price of the SEI replacement gear cases is quite astonishing. I think just the gear set for an OEM BRP Magnum gear case for my V6 motor is over $850, or about the price of the whole SEI assembly.
6992WHALER posted 01-28-2011 05:41 PM ET (US)
Just double checking to see if there is anyone else who has one of these units???
6992WHALER posted 07-01-2011 10:35 AM ET (US)
I am half way through the beak in and so far so good.
It looks and acts just like the original.
K Albus posted 07-01-2011 11:20 AM ET (US)
Did you go with SEI, and did you replace both or just one?
6992WHALER posted 07-01-2011 11:26 AM ET (US)
I did go SEI.
I only replaced the Starboard unit
6992WHALER posted 08-08-2011 08:47 PM ET (US)
40 hours including a 350 mile cruise last week.
So far so good.
With the 3 year no questions asked warranty I ran this engine on the trip whenever the depth was questionable. Just a little extra insurance.
dscew posted 08-08-2011 09:13 PM ET (US)
How's the finish holding up? I've heard even from SEI that it's less than expected.
6992WHALER posted 08-08-2011 10:03 PM ET (US)
The finish looks perfect.
It makes the port lower unit look bad.
6992WHALER posted 10-18-2013 03:49 PM ET (US)
Update.
End of third season on the SEI lower unit.
Everything is working great.
Paint looks like the day I put it on there.
Three year warranty runs out in April.
I can say at this point I would not think twice about using an SEI lower unit on any engine.
hauptjm posted 10-21-2013 02:14 PM ET (US)
Now that is a real life testimonial.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and seeing it through the warranty period.
Glad to hear the good news!
Tom W Clark posted 10-21-2013 09:09 PM ET (US)
I'm at the end of my eighth season with a used Mercury lower unit I bought for $500.
It has, to date, given me zero trouble and has exactly the same warranty as a three year old SEI lower unit.
Just sayin'....
6992WHALER posted 10-21-2013 11:45 PM ET (US)
I hope the guy I sold my 22 year old used lower unit off my Force outboard gets many years of use out those old parts.
But I don't see what it has to do with this topic
Just sayin'....

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Author	Topic: SEI Lower units
6992WHALER	posted 01-26-2011 02:10 PM ET (US) I have to replace one of my 1992 200 horse Yamaha lower units. I cannot find very much information (good or bad) on SEI after market lower units. Does anyone have any personal experience with these units? The cost is almost half of the coast of a re-manufactured Yamaha unit. This makes them very interesting since I have twins and am contemplating changing both units. They come with a three-year warranty that covers any damage to the drive. John
Buckda	posted 01-26-2011 02:32 PM ET (US) The Screamandfly.com guys seem to be of mixed opinion about them for their high performance applications. cf: http://www.screamandfly.com/archive/index.php/t-178720.html I didn't realize you needed this repair. Sorry to hear about it. I hope that you get strong feedback from users here and can save on the new lower units! Dave
Tohsgib	posted 01-26-2011 02:38 PM ET (US) Do a search as we have discussed this a few times. I would buy one in a heartbeat and my mechanic sells the heck out of them and no complaints yet. They are only a few miles from me so no shipping as well.
Tohsgib	posted 01-26-2011 02:40 PM ET (US) PS: if the 150 and 200 are the same lowers my bud has a used pair (CR) for sale as both powerheads are shongo.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-26-2011 02:40 PM ET (US) I would buy a good used OE lower unit before I bought an imitation lower unit for a lot more money. A perfectly good used lower unit can be had for $500-$1000. I paid $500 for a V6 lower unit a few years ago (off of Scream and Fly) and it was perfect and is still running strong today. Given that old motors like yours typically die from powerhead failure, there are a lot of perfectly good lower units just sitting out there.
dscew	posted 01-26-2011 03:41 PM ET (US) I contacted them for info on their outdrives after seeing a comment about corrosion and paint loss on their products. They responded to me and said their finishes aren't the best but they're "working on it." That was enough for me to stay away. Preventing corrosion is really important even in fresh water, especially when there is shorepower all around.
AZdave	posted 01-26-2011 03:45 PM ET (US) I have had no problem with one of these lower units on a 135-HP Mercury. It takes longer than you think to go slow on the break in period. I don't disagree with Tom, but I was feeling unlucky on used stuff at that point in time. Dave
6992WHALER	posted 01-26-2011 03:54 PM ET (US) Thanks. AZdave: Have you had any paint problems? Tom: I am not sure I want to replace a working used lower unit with used lower unit. John
Tom W Clark	posted 01-26-2011 04:07 PM ET (US) John - If yours is working, why are you replacing it? Another advantage of buying used: no waiting for the break-in period to end.
6992WHALER	posted 01-26-2011 05:15 PM ET (US) Only one is dead, but both are the same age. I have replaced both power heads. I think I would just feel better if I had new or rebuilt lower units that have never seen salt water. I might be a little paranoid but I don't trust the second lower unit completely now. If I go rebuild or used I would only replace the one this year and then budget to replace the second one in the near future. But if I go after market I probably will replace both now.
AZdave	posted 01-27-2011 12:59 AM ET (US) I lost a chip of paint about the size of my little fingernail. I'm not sure whether it was a defect or a bump during installation.
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2011 10:40 AM ET (US) WHAT??? You want to replace a lower unit as preventative maintenance? That is a first and probably the last I will EVER hear that again. It is a lower unit, not a spark plug.
Buckda	posted 01-27-2011 11:33 AM ET (US) His money, his boat. Check the maps for the beloved SeaTow and BoatUS/Vessel Assist on Lake Superior. Neither have ANY service on the entire lake. Self reliance is an important quality on the Northern Lakes, as a single tow from 40 miles offshore with a local tow/salvage company could cost more than the price of a lower unit. If a new lower unit will help him trust the other engine, then only he and his family can decide if it's worth the expense. After all, there are a lot of folks who won't pay the premium for the safety features on a big luxury automobile...and then there are others who will.
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 12:24 PM ET (US) OK if I decide to replace a working nineteen year old engine, is that not preventive maintenance. How many people on this site have replaced working engines? After replacing both power heads 4 years ago it would be foolish to replace the engines, but if I replace the lower units do I not basically have two new engines? If I do go with the SEI lower units it would be nice to do the break in for both units at the same time. I have a 1991 90 Force (yes I said Force) outboard on my Sakonnet, I bought that engine new, I have maintained it, I completely trust that engine, and have no thoughts of replacing its lower unit. I also have a 1982 25 merc that runs great that my father bought new. I bought the 1992 Yamahas used, a power head failed 45 miles out (blew a hole in the side of the engine) . After the 6 hour crawl home on glass calm seas, I had both power heads torn down both needed to be replaced. Two summers before that both engines had great compression and passed a leak down test they ran nice and sounded good. This time the lower unit failed during the last two miles of a 26 mile crossing in 4-6 foot seas, I really would like to trust these engines. So yes I am contemplating removing a working lower unit and replacing it with new gears or a new lower unit. Back to the original question about SEI lower units, I did do a search of this site and the internet to find information on these units, I found lots of people talking about them but very few people who actually owned one. I think on Continuous Wave only 2 people actually claim to have them on their boats? I really appreciate AZdave's first hand knowledge. Any info on these units would be very helpful. Thanks in advance John
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2011 01:23 PM ET (US) I would have to say the 3 year warranty says a lot in itself. A rebuild you usually get none or very little.
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 01:30 PM ET (US) I agree that 3 year any failure warranty is enticing.
jimh	posted 01-27-2011 01:51 PM ET (US) I believe the product under discussion is shown here: http://www.sterndrive.cc/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SE& Category_Code=YamahaLowerUnit I am amazed at the (low) price of these components. Let me ask to be clear: do these replacement gear case assemblies contain all the gears, shafts, bearings, seals, and so on? Or are they just the aluminum castings? The prices seem too low to be a complete working gear case assembly!
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2011 02:01 PM ET (US) Complete Jim and very nice to boot. They caused used gearcases to be close to worthless overnight. You used to be able to sell a used unit for $750, now maybe half.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-27-2011 02:02 PM ET (US) Yes, that is the price of a complete, ready to bolt on, lower unit. Pretty amazing how Chinese manufacturing brings the price down, eh? I agree the three year no-fault, no questions asked, warranty is impressive, if it is as advertised. If you buy two new SEI lower units, you will be able to recoup some of your expenditure by selling your existing lower unit that is trouble free, especially if it is the standard rotation one. Even the damaged one may have some parts value. You should be able to sell the good gearcase for $500 or more.
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 02:02 PM ET (US) Hi Jim, They are complete units, ready to bold on and go. John
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 02:06 PM ET (US) I don't think we could have all typed at the same time if we tried. Tom the still running one is the counter rotating, but yes I plan to sell it.
Tohsgib	posted 01-27-2011 02:53 PM ET (US) Tom as far as I know these units are made in Florida, not China.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-27-2011 02:56 PM ET (US) Assembled in Florida. The components are made in China.
Tom W Clark	posted 01-27-2011 03:11 PM ET (US) SEI does not appear to sell any counter rotating gearcases.
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 03:12 PM ET (US) Does anyone know were the rebuild parts for a Yamaha lower unit come from? (country of manufacture)
6992WHALER	posted 01-27-2011 03:13 PM ET (US) They are selling them spring 2011
AZdave	posted 01-27-2011 05:00 PM ET (US) I'm really glad I don't own anything else with parts made in China.
jimh	posted 01-28-2011 07:44 AM ET (US) The (low) price of the SEI replacement gear cases is quite astonishing. I think just the gear set for an OEM BRP Magnum gear case for my V6 motor is over $850, or about the price of the whole SEI assembly.
6992WHALER	posted 01-28-2011 05:41 PM ET (US) Just double checking to see if there is anyone else who has one of these units???
6992WHALER	posted 07-01-2011 10:35 AM ET (US) I am half way through the beak in and so far so good. It looks and acts just like the original.
K Albus	posted 07-01-2011 11:20 AM ET (US) Did you go with SEI, and did you replace both or just one?
6992WHALER	posted 07-01-2011 11:26 AM ET (US) I did go SEI. I only replaced the Starboard unit
6992WHALER	posted 08-08-2011 08:47 PM ET (US) 40 hours including a 350 mile cruise last week. So far so good. With the 3 year no questions asked warranty I ran this engine on the trip whenever the depth was questionable. Just a little extra insurance.
dscew	posted 08-08-2011 09:13 PM ET (US) How's the finish holding up? I've heard even from SEI that it's less than expected.
6992WHALER	posted 08-08-2011 10:03 PM ET (US) The finish looks perfect. It makes the port lower unit look bad.
6992WHALER	posted 10-18-2013 03:49 PM ET (US) Update. End of third season on the SEI lower unit. Everything is working great. Paint looks like the day I put it on there. Three year warranty runs out in April. I can say at this point I would not think twice about using an SEI lower unit on any engine.
hauptjm	posted 10-21-2013 02:14 PM ET (US) Now that is a real life testimonial. Thanks for sharing your experiences and seeing it through the warranty period. Glad to hear the good news!
Tom W Clark	posted 10-21-2013 09:09 PM ET (US) I'm at the end of my eighth season with a used Mercury lower unit I bought for $500. It has, to date, given me zero trouble and has exactly the same warranty as a three year old SEI lower unit. Just sayin'....
6992WHALER	posted 10-21-2013 11:45 PM ET (US) I hope the guy I sold my 22 year old used lower unit off my Force outboard gets many years of use out those old parts. But I don't see what it has to do with this topic Just sayin'....