[THEFERMANATOR]

$200 to replace a lower unit is downright robbery, plain and simple. Unless the lower is frozen into the midsection and needs to be cut out, then that is a 1 hour job tops. The $800 for a lower unit isn't that bad actually since it is for a YAMAHA, but this is an 86 engine. Has the shift shaft been replaced on it yet? If not then I wouldn't dump anymore money into it as that right there can be a very costly repair. For an old engine like that I would seriously reccomend finding another outboard if your going to put $1K into what you have now. Chances are you can find a complete outboard with a blown powerhead for less than the $1K and have all kinds of spare parts. I personally would re-seal what you have yourself. If it is seized together though then it will get expensive once you need the torch and pullers to release the bullet in it. Good used lowers can normally be had for $500 or less for low time units even for a YAMAHA.