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.....[/QUOTE
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.....
