yamaha 40hp identity problem

[Panda]

hi guys n gals,i bought a yam 40hp the other day,and i have made my eyeballs bleed scouring the net for clues as to its year,type,etc.the id plate reads (top line) 40 DR.underneath it reads-676BS 251834.i would like to order a manual for it,but without knowing what to ask for im struggling.also,am i correct in thinking 50:1 is the right premix ratio?
yours in anticipation,etc.

[JSP]

I had similar problems dating my Yam. Is there a letter stamped on the plate?
BTW, love skipton, nice place

[Panda]

hi jsp,thanks for quick response,ive just been out for a look,and there is an 's' stamped in the bottom left corner of the plate.could this be the missing clue? ps skipton is indeed lovely,just waay too far from the sea!

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Panda

hi jsp,thanks for quick response,ive just been out for a look,and there is an 's' stamped in the bottom left corner of the plate.could this be the missing clue? ps skipton is indeed lovely,just waay too far from the sea!

I think it will be. If I remember right, mine is a P. The good people on here helped me date it so I'll try and find the thread.

[JSP]

Found it - http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27800&page=2
1980 - S 1990 - D 2000 - T
1981 - R 1991 - C 2001 - S
1982 - Q 1992 - B 2002 - R
1973 - Z 1983 - P 1993 - A 2003 - Q
1974 - Y 1984 - N 1994 - Z 2004 - P
1975 - X 1985 - K 1995 - Y 2005 - N
1976 - W 1986 - J 1996 - X
1977 - V 1987 - H 1997 - W
1978 - U 1988 - G 1998 - V
1979 - T 1989 - F 1999 - U

So 'S' is either a 1980 or 2001 ?

[Panda]

having looked at lots of pics,it seems the 1980 date seems right.it looks too clean under the hood to be 29 years old,but it looks nothing like any 2001 yams i have seen.also,£400 for a 2001 seems a tad unlikely! thanks very much for the help,i can sort a manual now. )

[Panda]

oooh it made a smiley face out of my emoticon!!

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Panda

having looked at lots of pics,it seems the 1980 date seems right.it looks too clean under the hood to be 29 years old,but it looks nothing like any 2001 yams i have seen.also,£400 for a 2001 seems a tad unlikely! thanks very much for the help,i can sort a manual now. )

Your in the right place if you need to know anything about the engine. Shocks me sometimes how much the lads and ladies (put yourselves in your own group RIBnobbers ) know on here.