2014-2015 Yamaha SVHO motor issue (severe)

[ScarabMike]

Gents,

As you guys know me, I am one person that digs deep into the internet and manuals to find out issues, and flaws in just about everything I have. I have been doing some research on the new SVHO engine that I love in my waverunner, and found a major flaw that Yamaha will not admit to, but knows about.

The timing chain on these engines is a ticking timebomb. Its not if it goes, its when. Some people have had them tear apart within 30 hours, and some after about 70 hours. Its just a matter of time.

Yamaha will warranty the repair, and replace the head and short block with the new 2016 redesign. The whole SVHO engine changed part numbers after this redesign. But, to avoid lawsuits, Yamaha will not admit the issue.

The good news if there is any about this issue is the SVHO 1.8ltr engine is non interference, and the valves will not smack the pistons. When this happens, it will not be a catastrophic failure. The engine will shut off, and will not start, but will crank. The way to diagnose the issue is opening the oil fill, crank the engine and look for valve movement. If none, then welcome to the broken chain club.

Until there is a recall on this from Yamaha, do not purchase a 2014-15 SVHO waverunner. This engine is currently used in the FX series, and the outgoing FZ series.

The new 2016 models have the new updated engine, and so far have been working flawlessly. Shame on Yamaha for opening a page off of Sea Doss' book. I expected more from a reputable company.

Now the wait begins on when my ski will leave me stranded in the water. Sigh.....

 

[Britboater]

There is also a known fault with 2009 to 2012 SHO engines regarding the supercharger clutch, when it goes bang it's a full engine rebuild as all the debris in the oil.
Strange how Yamaha get a tag for reliability then off shoots like this arise. On another note, there was a big discussion about the FZR/S "bucking", few said the intake grate needed to be changed, I would WOT my FZR and have the constant thought of being thrown, but then again, water is such a unpredictable substance that I put the bucking issue down to riders fault.

Can you not just change your chain before anything happens @ScarabMike

 

[veedubtek]

I'm the same way. I actually posted about this issue in the 192 forum back in August, that's why I bought a VXR.

Did none of the 15's get the updated parts? Seems you got yours pretty late in the model year, maybe it's updated already?

 

[ScarabMike]

@Britboater Im sure that I could do it, but I refuse to spend cash repairing a brand new ski. Mine doesnt bounce at all. It rides smooth as silk.

@veedubtek not really sure. But i guess I can call them and find out. Thats if they give out that information since they are trying to be hush about the whole situation.

 

[ajc5257]

@ScarabMike I hope yours doesn't break down, because it really sucks, but mine did. 2014 FX SVHO 36 hours, just happened in September. You mention a 2016 rebuild for the 2014/2015 models that have the timing chain break. Where did you get this information and can you please send it to me? My dealer had heard the same thing but when I call Yamaha (once a week for a month with no returns), they finally told me the rebuild is not available and they will only replace the same parts as original. This is a problem for me. I've been pushing for the rebuild but they say it doesn't exist. Any more information you have on this would be awesome. Thanks.

 

[ScarabMike]

@ajc5257 Its a known issue. And the 2016 engines have a new tensioner system, and a thicker chain.

http://www.greenhulk.net/forums/showthread.php?t=226112

http://www.greenhulk.net/forums/showthread.php?t=237237&highlight=timing+chain

Mine has 47 hours with no issue. "crosses fingers" .

 

[Kevin1741]

Im looking to buy a 2014 VXR. Should i be concerned or is this a super charged issue?

 

[ScarabMike]

@Kevin1741 No, only the SVHO engine. You VXR has a N/A 1.8 ltr engine.

 

[elcue]

Can I fix this before it happens? I have a 2015 svho engine.

 

[Slugger55]

I was just looking at the FX SVHO. Maybe SeaDoo is the better option?

 

[elcue]

From what I read its an early batch of timing chains that were failing. Im hoping mine is one of the later models I did buy it in 2015. Im going to ask a friend who owns the dealership where I Bought mine see what he says. The ski is amazing I can say that for sure. So until it breaks I have no complaints.

 

[d_coyne1984]

There is also a known fault with 2009 to 2012 SHO engines regarding the supercharger clutch, when it goes bang it's a full engine rebuild as all the debris in the oil.
Strange how Yamaha get a tag for reliability then off shoots like this arise. On another note, there was a big discussion about the FZR/S "bucking", few said the intake grate needed to be changed, I would WOT my FZR and have the constant thought of being thrown, but then again, water is such a unpredictable substance that I put the bucking issue down to riders fault.

Can you not just change your chain before anything happens @ScarabMike

Can you shoot me a link to the thread or give me some more info on the SHO supercharger problem. I'm thinking maybe I should just go a head and upgrade...

 

[Slugger55]

From what I read its an early batch of timing chains that were failing. Im hoping mine is one of the later models I did buy it in 2015. Im going to ask a friend who owns the dealership where I Bought mine see what he says. The ski is amazing I can say that for sure. So until it breaks I have no complaints.

When you get the 411 please share. I talked to my wife this morning about making a purchase. I would rather have the SVHO vs the SeaDoo...

 

[Speedling]

Imo the sho should be upgraded with a turbo anyways.

 

[Britboater]

Can you shoot me a link to the thread or give me some more info on the SHO supercharger problem. I'm thinking maybe I should just go a head and upgrade...

If you search the greenhulk pwc site there's plenty of S/C failures and remadies. I had a 2010 FZR with 70 hours and had no problems but I did also off load it before any could appear.

 

[elcue]

Slugger55 if you are going to purchase now it should be fine apparently they upgraded the chain in the latest model skis. Some say this is a cover up, while others say not a cover up and for 2017 they are making a serious hp ski that require the heavy duty chains so they are putting them in current svhos now. I'm waiting on more info from my friend.

 

[Slugger55]

@elcue Thanks for the 411, standing by for the rest of the details...

 

[Slugger55]

Digg'in the new Wave Runner!! @ScarabMike here are the pics.

 

[ScarabMike]

Verry Nice @Slugger55 !! Do yourself a favor and get a couple sets of these...

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-HH-P1B-Fender-Black/dp/B000N9O6N0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

They are awesome, and keep that ski looking sweet!

 

[veedubtek]

How do you secure your front one @ScarabMike ? I use the tow hook on the rear, but haven't found something I like for the front yet. I saw @robert843 using a bungee for his, which seemed to work awesome, but I'm looking at all options.