How to replace anodes on the 4.2l Yamaha 225 250 300 HP

These instructions will work for all three 4.2l models. I hope you find this helpful.
Yamaha Anodes: amzn.to/3oTnFVK
Cotter Pin Removal tool: amzn.to/3itDJN3

[@fishhunt9874]

I am coming up on my 100 hour service on my 2015 300. I will inspect the easy to reach anodes and will decide if I will replace all based on the condition of the 4. Thank you for posting the detailed video of all 8 anodes.

[@4RibsFishing]

That’s a great approach Fish Hunt. I will be doing the same from now on!

[@757doc]

Thank you for a great video, well explained and shown on how to do this in very layman terms. You saved me so much money by being able to do this myself with your video.

[@4RibsFishing]

Congrats! Thank you for the kind words!!! BTW - M6 bolt (10mm socket) is 5.9 ft lbs.

[@22josta]

Its amazing what someone can do themselves, compared to what a marina would charge. This video shows that perfectly. I was once quotes $475 to replace my 4 fuel injectors on a 2011 Yamaha F150... I bought 4 new and calibrated ones online for i believe $75 and went to the boat slip, changed them right there in less than 20 minutes. ran brand new again. incredible mark ups

[@4RibsFishing]

Absolutely. We always fixed our own machines growing up - but out of necessity .Now I get some enjoyment from doing these jobs.

[@paulleadingham]

I'm just a little shocked that Yamaha couldn't design a simpler approach to replace these anodes. I can't believe they couldn't come up with a better design than putting anodes under the valve cover. I'm guessing they bank on most people not replacing these and motors lasting much shorter than a "smarter" design. Thank you so much for this very detailed video on how to DIY. I guess I will have to go look to see how often this replacement has to take place. I only have a bit over 100 hours at the moment and am in salt water about 10% of the time.

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you Paul. I have a bunch of videos on the 4.2l. Please give them a look too!!

[@postulatingspin4470]

You have nothing to worry about. Those anodes are huge. He changed them when they had over 95% of their life left. OCD or just trying to make a helpful video. I think he was just trying to make a helpful video.

[@PetClipdog]

Thank you for your Videos. They are very instructive!!!

[@4RibsFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@Jeremy-mn2dj]

Nice vidéo man!! Very well explain and precise with good quality video 👌👍👍 thank you very much from barcelona

[@4RibsFishing]

You’re welcome!

[@tommanley2025]

Very well done. Thank you for posting.

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you Tom!

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Your videos are awesome very informative

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you Maggi Fishing! Tight lines to you and your crew.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

I also put a Rhodan on my boat with a shuttle slide! Honestly you do a great job with your videos! Hopefully I meet you out there one day I run out of FI

[@4RibsFishing]

@@TideFighterFishingTeam that Rhodan is like magic! Thank you for the kind words. I’m in NJ but occasional make it down your way.

[@ondiegijoseph3475]

Am happy for you. You make me educated. What is the work of arnode in the engine

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you. The anodes are a sacrificial metal installed to direct corrosion to a less expensive part. This job took me approximately 1 hour to complete one motor. Without filming I believe I could do one now in 30 minutes.

[@nathancrowe1489]

Hard to understand why Yamaha would make something as simple as changing an anode that time consuming by putting some behind the valve covers . I bet quite a few folks are paying for anodes and those aren't being touched. Great video

[@4RibsFishing]

Nathan. I absolutely agree! I wonder how many ‘extra’ anodes are left on the bench!!

[@colemant6845]

I noticed that too! That is a complicated dis-assembly and re assembly process. Bet it cost a lot of money at the Marina?

[@phoenixapotek]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Do you have to drain all the oil before removing the valve covers?

[@4RibsFishing]

Its not necessary, the oil does not sit that high. Look at the dipstick, its length, and where the oil shows up on it and you will see the oil is much lower. Have fun!

[@jimt9479]

Thanks for a great detailed video. Did you need to drain oil first before removing valve covers? My twin F300XCA motors are new with 120 hours and rack stored during the season and flushed religiously after every trip. I'm pretty sure the anodes are still in great shape but I may change them anyway before the spring season up here in New Jersey.

[@4RibsFishing]

Jim, no need - the oil level is lower than the valve covers.

[@Ymedari]

if you only have 120 hrs there is no need to replace the anodes. it only recomended after 500hrs

[@colemant6845]

Great Detailed video for anode change. Best on You Tube. Well Done! Question: Is the process /anode qty the same for a 2017 250hp VMAX SHO? Thanks!

[@4RibsFishing]

Coleman, basically the same concepts, but the components you need to remove will likely be different. You may want to check the schematic on partsvu or sim to verify quantity for your motor.

[@colemant6845]

@@4RibsFishing Thanks!

[@laurazavatkay2782]

Amazing video just like your other ones dealing with your Yamaha 300. Where did you learn how to do this kind of work? What is RTV? Your boat must be in tip top shape, what kind of boat is it? Thanks for the videos!

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you. RTV is a silicon sealant used in engines. 30’ Cobia. Basic skills passed down from Dad- learned the rest from others and by trying.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

@@4RibsFishing Yamaha 4 is the replacement for 1280B sealant you can buy at boats.net

[@pmtips4482]

RTV stands for room temperature vulcanizing.

[@JWFitz122]

First of all this is a great video, Thank you. So I removed all the annode housings at the same time. But I do not remember which annode housing goes back into the hole it came from. Does this matter??

[@4RibsFishing]

They are all the same. No need to put them in their original spots. Unless it satisfies an OCD need!!

[@JWFitz122]

@@4RibsFishing that's what I thought, but wasn't sure. This is my first time servicing my engine's so I don't want to do something wrong. Again thank you, Jim

[@nestthermostat3941]

How many hours on your motor at that point and did you flush after each use? Seeing that your anodes were in good shape hour many more effective hours do you think they had? Video was very well done, right to the point without useless chatter, thank you.

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you. Those motors are flushed after every use. 483 hours at the time of that video. I think 750 is reasonable if you are flushing every time.

[@1personalt]

There are a few more anodes deeper in the engine but no videos on those. Does anyone ever change anything more then these 8 and the big external anodes? I am talking about 'cylinder block anode, oil cooler anode etc..

[@4RibsFishing]

Thanks for watching Rich, I haven't done them yet - but when I do I will create a video.

[@tn6504]

is there a torque specs for the two bolts for each anode ? Great video and you saved people a lot of money with this video.

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you! M6 bolt (10mm socket) is 5.9 ft lbs. M8 Bolt (12mm socket) is 13.3 ft lbs

[@Exit79]

Thank You Sir! Excellent video. I can definitely handle this job myself now. Thanks again! Steve

[@tn6504]

are all the bolts on the cylinder head cover the same length ? I got a used F250 and the bolts have different lengths and now I don't which goes where. I think the 3 bolts on the middle of the covers are longer but not too sure. Some has #8 on the tip , some #6 but some short and some longer.

[@4RibsFishing]

Mine were all the same except a couple ‘stud bolts’ in the upper corners for mounting a guide for positioning the engine cover. A parts diagram for your specific year/model will show you which bolt goes where. Check partsvu, they have all the diagrams.

[@cargopilot]

Thank you 4Ribs Fishing for the useful tips. So I have to buy 8 anodes per each motor?

[@4RibsFishing]

That is correct, 8 per motor on the 4.2l V-6.

[@cargopilot]

@@4RibsFishing great thanks

[@bd-me7yp]

Before doing the oil change as part of the 500hr service, do you need to pump out the oil before replacing these anodes or doesn't matter?

[@4RibsFishing]

BD, the anodes live in the water jackets where there should be no oil. It’s not necessary, but since you have the boat out on land you may want to consider oil/gear oil at the same time.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Doing my anodes this year do you know torque settings on anodes? Both the 10mm bolt and the two 12s

[@4RibsFishing]

Hi Maggi - M6 bolt (10mm socket) is 5.9 ft lbs. M8 Bolt (12mm socket) is 13.3 ft lbs.

[@snookguy4122]

How long should it take a seasoned machanic to replace Internal Anodes on a Yamaha 4.2, 200hp V-Max Sho. Year is 2021. 500 hour service.

[@4RibsFishing]

I'm bet they charge 1.5 hrs.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Do you know the torque setting for valve cover gasket bolts?

[@4RibsFishing]

5.9 ft lbs

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Should I replace the washers on the bolts that hold the anodes?

[@4RibsFishing]

No need to replace them.

[@geraldgigon5488]

Excellent Video, one lesson learned, One bolt snapped off int the Anode and used a SS M6-1.00 x 20(Lowes) to replace the bolt, it is a perfect fit. One question, are you doing a timing belt Video?

[@4RibsFishing]

Good tip Gerald! I only have 545 hours now, but I will be doing the timing belt (and video) next year.

[@geraldgigon5488]

Look forward to seeing it, Are your belts on a time change(5 years) or number of hours( 1000 )? second, Have you change the (2) oil cooler Anodes. Or the upper case Anodes?

[@4RibsFishing]

@@geraldgigon5488 my manual says 5yrs or 1000 hrs. I will hit the 1000 hours long before 5 yrs. at 480 hrs the main anodes I changed in that video were so clean I stopped there. Maybe next year I’ll look at the others.

[@Rfrasc]

Did you use a new cover gasket? The manual calls for it. Also do you have torque values on the bolts? That I can not find in the manual. Great video.

[@4RibsFishing]

Hi Lef, I would suggest a new gasket. Mine were only 2 years old at the time and felt brand new. When the manual doesn't list torque settings for a component, look in the last few pages of chapter 1, they list general torque specs for small fasteners. M6 is 6.9ft lbs.

[@Rfrasc]

@@4RibsFishing Thanks for the quick reply. I ordered the gaskets to be safe. They are pricey. I know the torque values are in the front of the book. I was just concerned about the torque against the plastic cover. .Like you I try to do as much of this service as possible . The dealers will give you a date 3 months out for service.

[@steviedoneit5213]

Only question i have can you do this with the engine oil full or should you drain it

[@4RibsFishing]

I was full when I did the work.

[@bobdp3878]

Have a 250hp, how many hours till these need replacing?

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you Bob. I did mine at nearly 500hrs. They were still in very good shape, but I fresh water flush after every trip. Next time I will go 750hrs.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Do you know is there a torque setting for those valve cover gasket bolts?

[@4RibsFishing]

Maggie - 5.9 ft lbs - sorry for the delay.

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

@@4RibsFishing thanks your videos are about the best out there

[@4RibsFishing]

You are too kind Maggie. Good luck and tight lines!

[@josephindusi8122]

Do you have to change valve cover gaskets?

[@4RibsFishing]

You probably should, Mine were 2 years old when I did the work so I didn't.

[@roberg401]

Hello, how many hours have the engines? My engines have 470 hours and I don't know whether to change the anodes, what do you think? Very good video

[@4RibsFishing]

Rober, I believe I had 483 in that video. If you religiously flush after use your anodes will be in good shape at 470. Mine looked very good at that age.

[@roberg401]

@@4RibsFishing Thanks!! 😃😃😃

[@glenndaugherity6187]

I have a 2014 F250 but I only run in freshwater I just hit 800 hours should I have my dealer do a change you think ?

[@4RibsFishing]

If you ran it since new in fresh water you may be fine. What did the original owner do? try checking one of the 'easy' ones to see how they look.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

@@4RibsFishing I've had it since new.

[@4RibsFishing]

@@glenndaugherity6187 You may be ok, at 475hrs in all salt mine were decent. I'm sure they would have run another 3-400.

[@befmx31]

Very good video. Question, at what interval should I be looking to do this? How many hours? Thanks.

[@4RibsFishing]

Thank you. Depends on how hard of a life your motors have had. If you bought them new, and flush after EVERY startup, I would say 600-700. If you never flush I would do them at 400. In the video I think I had 475, flushed every time, and you can see they are in good shape.

[@befmx31]

@@4RibsFishing thanks.

[@befmx31]

@@4RibsFishing One more question if you don't mind. I have twins on my boat so when i go to replace the thermostats on facing one another (insides of the motors), how do you get to them? Do you just squeeze between the motors to do the work or do you disconnect the motors from the steering so you can move them manually and individually? Thanks again.

[@4RibsFishing]

It’s easy to reach the inner tstats from the ground when you turn the motors hard right/left. Check out my tstat video and you will see all the clearance. Plenty of room!

[@befmx31]

@@4RibsFishing thanks again.

[@tomlosco1187]

Great video, How many hours were on the engine?

[@4RibsFishing]

483 at the time. I think 600-700 is the right number.

[@colemant6845]

@@4RibsFishing Do you mean 600-700 hours the right number of hours to change the internal anodes? (I ask because yours looked very clean to me)

[@lindsayfraser4791]

How often should these be replaced.??

[@4RibsFishing]

Approximately 750 hrs

[@mariodifelice6636]

Do you have to replace the valve cover gaskets?

[@4RibsFishing]

No, they are made to be reused.

[@JWSmith-eh3sj]

Great video. Very informative. My 4.2 shop manual indicates the gaskets are NOT reusable.

[@johnhall20]

What’s the service interval for this?

[@4RibsFishing]

Believe it or not the manual says check the exhaust passage anodes every 100hrs, and the rest at 5yrs/500hrs. Seems excessive to me. In that video I was just under 500 salt water hrs.

[@johnhall20]

@@4RibsFishing thanks. I’m getting a F300 on my new boat. Looking forward to it

[@4RibsFishing]

Best of luck with the new boat!!

[@bobdp3878]

Ps , great video....

[@SalamSalam-to6mm]

Iwata software scan New model ydis-2-00 software part number iwata please help yamaha 4stroke ENGINE outboard software scan part number i

[@4RibsFishing]

I'm sorry Salam, I'm not sure what you are asking for?

[@postulatingspin4470]

Looks like he changed out perfectly good anodes…..hardly consumed at all. If you flush your engine after use, I would not recommend this anode replacement…vastly far higher probability of engine damage and oil leaks. If your boat sits un flushed in salt water….different story.

[@4RibsFishing]

They were in good shape. With how I flush I can easily stretch the interval to 750 hours.

[@lbowsk]

Somebody please tell me why you cannot simply just wire brush those anodes and put them back in. They show almost zero wear, only sea water crud. YAM wants stupid money for an anode. Made of quite possibly the shittiest metal on earth. Were they a buck or two a piece? SURE, toss em.

[@4RibsFishing]

@@lbowsk I probably could have. I did that project sooner than it needed to be done.