Air filter mods

[Jim Robeson]

I have 2008 SX 230 and was wondering if anyone has done away with the factory setup on the air filters and gone with something a little different? The only reason I ask is that I'm about to order new air filters and really got to thinking about doing something different there. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Julian]

I've not messed with them. I'm not a speed junky, but I do recall reading one post on this subject where a member, before buying new expensive aftermarket filters, tried running without filters (no restriction at all), and found no difference in performance. Many boats dont have air filters......so try it yourself for a run.....then decide.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

There are a couple of options that really don't provide much benefit. Here is one: not sure if it's applicable to your year and model

http://www.rivayamaha.com/RivaStore/product_page.asp?Category=riva fx Velocity Stack

 

[Jim Robeson]

@Murf'n'surf ...I did think about those velocity stacks but read on the YJB site that someone had used those but really didn't make much difference in performance. Have to be honest, didn't realize how pricey those air filters are. The cheapest OEM air filter I've found is at Yamaha Sports Plaza for $71 each. Thanks for the info on the Riva site.

@Julian ...I had never thought about running with no filter. I think I would be to worried about getting something in there that I shouldn't. But it did make me think about my old 71 chevy truck. I used to turn the breather cover upside down to expose the air filter and let more air get to the carbs. Didn't really do a lot other than make it sound a little better when you stomped on the gas.

 

[Ronnie]

When I owned an sx230ho and on my current wave runners I installed the r&d reusable air filters and velocity stacks. I didn't see any performance increases and couldn't hear any difference in the way the engines sounded either. The stacks are modern day "snake oil". The filters are nice in that they are cleanable and reusable. The openings on the bottom of the riva and R&d air filters determine what velocity stacks will fit (i.e., R&d stacks only fit the R&d filters). Also the metal mesh of the aftermarket filters takes the place of the stock flame arrest or so you can remove the stock flame arresters (I.e., the stock "velocity stacks") if you go with the aftermarket filters and still be "legal" by coast guard standards. In summary I think the air filters are worth the cost since in the long run they are cheaper than stock. Pass on the velocity stacks unless you just want to say you have them and don't care about the $100 they cost ($50 per set of 4 per engine).

 

[KXCam22]

Most boats don;t have a true air filter and instead use a backfire suppressor. Our intake stacks have a backfire suppressor screen built in. From what I have seen our airfilter flow plenty of air for the motor. Cam.

 

[fairpilot]

Are your current filters to the point of needing replaced. I have 2006 sx230 and filters look new. Just not that much debris bedding in compartment. Then again I don't know how long they are good for. I have tested without and saw no difference at all.
And yes Yamaha is proud of those filters you can see it in price.

 

[Jim Robeson]

@Ronnie ... Thanks Ronnie! I will probably just stick with the stock parts

 

[Jim Robeson]

@fairpilot ... I'm going to check them out before I change them. Looked in the manual and they recommend changing out after 200 hours or every 2 years. I'm not real sure on how many years these have been in but I know I'm not anywhere close to being 200 hours. Heck, I don't even have a 100 hours on this rig yet.

 

[txav8r]

Jim, I agree with the comments above regarding the "snake oil" of aftermarket stacks. The reason they offered them was as an alternative to expensive factory parts that had to be replaced vs just cleaning them. So they are expensive up front but then you just clean them after that. Also as mentioned, on the water without being in a dusty environment, you don't have much of a need to change the filters too often, so the ancestor worship of the automobile world is creeping into your boat!

Removing and running without the filters is a way to verify if you have a filter issue. This is just a temporary thing to see if you need filters and I personally wouldn't remove mine other than as a test, you still need to filter the air even on the water. But it is a good test. Because if you notice no difference when you do remove them, then you know it isn't a filter problem, but you also know that even removing the filters completely won't increase performance. Our filters are more suseptible to oil saturation or splatter reducing airflow than dust. Also, deterioration due to age is more a possibility than clogging due to dust. Just some things to consider but if you never overfill the oil, your going to be good to go more than likely.

 

[Jim Robeson]

@txav8r ... thanks for the advice and insight. I have to admit that the first time I read about the velocity stacks I thought that make sense. Then after reading how they really didn't do much I lost interest pretty quick. I know now that if I want to increase speed I will have to increase horsepower and that's not going to happen on this boat. 50 mph. Is plenty for me.

 

[Volffas]

How often should our air filters be replaced and/or cleaned? What is the recommended method of cleaning? Over the years I have heard of plenty of things that we need to check but I don't think I have heard anything about air filters..... Actually I'm not even sure I know exactly where they are, or maybe I have seen them and just not paid attention to them.

 

[Ronnie]

Really? They are under the air box cover on the top of the engine. You can access them by removing the two phillips screws on the centerline, then disengaging the 8 slide latches (2 on each on side). I don't know the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule but I would check them out when I replace the plugs, so every year or so. Replace them if they are coated in oil or just falling apart (not likely). Around $150 for a pair of stock disposable filters or $200 for a cleanable / re-useable set.

 

[Jim Robeson]

@Ronnie, @Volffas ... this is what the owners manual states... I wasn't exactly sure if mine were ever replaced but I think I will do as txva8r and Julian suggested and run without a filter just to see if there is a difference before making the investment.

 

[rick johnston]

I just put the Riva's in mine, a little less expensive than the stock and RPM went back up to 10,200 where it's supposed to be max.
just keep the oil level correct so the filters don't get wet and all should be good.
RJ

 

[Jim Robeson]

@rick johnston ... do you know the part number for those Riva's? Thanks.

 

[rick johnston]

no I don't, boat is in storage, but I will try and get the part number for you.
do you have a High Output or regular 240 horse engine?
the 240 is like the picture above.

 

[Jim Robeson]

I have the HO engines.

 

[rick johnston]

mine aren't HO so sorry, wouldn't be able to help you out.
I don't know if they would be the same or not and wouldn't want to steer you wrong.
RJ

 

[Ronnie]

The ho (160 hp) and non ho (140 hp) motors use the same air filters.