Feedback request re 1.8L supercharged motors/fzr

[Ronnie]

I'm considering buying a 2010 yamaha fzr waverunner but am not sure if there is more maintencance or concern(s) with the supercharged version of the 1.8L (1,812 cc) motors. How often does the SC have to be rebuilt? Any known issues with the oil coolers or timing chain on these engines in the waverunners?

As you can see the ski looks great but i dont want to end up with a good looking lawn ornament for this kind of money so a little research is in order.

 

[haknslash]

It ain't a Sea-Doo using ceramic washers so you can forget about rebuilds on the Yamaha SC. With ski's they get beat on a lot so checking to make sure the supercharger clutch is good would be something I would for sure check out before buying any SC'd PWC. With the engine shutoff you can stick your finger in the supercharger and try to turn the supercharger's impeller. If the clutch is good it will only turn one direction and lock the other direction. If the impeller spins both ways the SC clutch is gone and will need to be replaced. If you feel any significant slop, wiggle, etc then walk away as the supercharger clutch will likely go soon. Since skis get beat on with lots of WOT + instant shutoff throttle driving, it's a good idea to invest in a BOV (blow-off valve) for a boosted ski as it will save your supercharger clutch. Letting off the throttle completely when going WOT on a supercharged engine is what wears a clutch, so it's best to gradually let off the power than shut it off quickly. The same occurs if trying to go WOT in rough cop and as the craft hooks again and gets air this will also cause wear on the clutch. I want to say Yamaha revised/upgraded the SC clutch in 2013 but I'm not certain and I think they changed bearing a year or so later as well.

As far as timing chains go, it's the same as our boats (same engines). If you're running a pre-2016 boat or ski then you won't have the upgrade cam shaft, timing chain, etc. No issues with the oil cooler that I know of. I think those were with the MR1 engines but I'm not certain. The FZR/SHO uses the same oil cooler as the one on my boat. The SVHO skis have the high performance oil cooler.

How many hours are on it?

 

[Neutron]

Affecten timing chains are 14 and 15s only. Prior to 14 are safe

 

[haknslash]

Affecten timing chains are 14 and 15s only. Prior to 14 are safe

There are other members on here with older boats that had their timing chains break. 2010 being the oldest I've seen. It's on both naturally aspirated and supercharged models over the years.

 

[Neutron]

There are other members on here with older boats that had their timing chains break. 2010 being the oldest I've seen. It's on both naturally aspirated and supercharged models over the years.

I wasnt aware of that.