Formula for success with the Yamaha SHO

Thought this might be nice for some of us newer SHO owners!!!

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=717991

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by nightbasser &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Guys with some of the sho issues some have experienced I wanted to share some tips that I feel have enabled us to have great success with this engine so far. Number one thing that i feel is most important and this is debatable but we have broke all of our engines in on dino or conventional oil opposed to the synthetic "sho" oil. Also critical during break in is to build heat in this engine! Put the bow down and make her work. Do this at varying rpms levels and full throttle this loads the engine and builds more heat than ever possible running trim up down the lake. After running hard and getting the motor hot slow her down to a good cruise and cool her off then stop and fish awhile. Putting the engine through heat cycles will further aid the engine in seating the rings. We have followed these steps on all SHOs so far and have yet to post a single min of warranty work done. Being a longtime mercury guy with a couple of 300 black motors in the garage I must say i am very impressed with yamaha's effort in changing the game http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif </td></tr></table>

Being aggressive early after the first 2-3 hours is key and has been emphasized. I never drove it hard with the trim down and never have had an oil making issue with any of my SHOs. However, I have driven it aggressively early on with minimal idling during breakin. If you feel trimming down at higher RPMs is required by all means do it.

Beyond the internet chatter the SHO overall has been extremely successful and reliable. Obviously hard for the unfortunate few making oil and even smaller number of SHO owners with PH failures. I can understand lacking confidence but do know those issues still occur on established two stroke platforms, pick your OEM. Those are factual realities and best summed as chit happens. Nothing more nothing less.

I would buy a SHO again without hesitation. It's great technology and offers an alternate path for those who want something different. To date for me it's by far the best motor I have ever owned.

Please do not think I'm bashing the SHO, I am totally aware that this kind of stuff can happen to any motor!!!

I am going to be a very proud owner when I pick up my Phoenix 719 with 225 Yamaha SHO next week. I just posted this since there are plenty of people that still believe in the SHO after some of the problems others have faced.

I have had no troubles with mine. Except the oil level rising at times. I also would buy another one and tell people that ask about it to do the same. I cant wait till the performance parts start comming for this engine.