ATTENTION SHO OWNERS: UDATE (Long read)

[SkeetRJ]

Sorry I have been off the thread on my own post. I did not want to post any inaccuracies. I hope that what I am about to post will answer most of the questions, especially for FLY, LEO, RICH, ARCH, and even BAMA.

I am going to start from the very beginning so that all information that I have is out there regarding my experience.

I received my original SHO on June 2010. I took it to the lake and put the break in hrs on it per the owners manual. To my best estimate, I took my SHO to the dealership and had the recommended 20hr service performed. Now there was a question about the first service, on the original post. So let me answer it here. Break in on the SHO is 10hrs. It says nothing about changing the oil and filter at 10 hrs, only at 20hrs. So don't get break in and oil changes confused.
At the time of my first service on the FIRST power head, I had 21hrs. At approximately 26-30 hrs, I got Yamaha involved regarding the squeaking issue. Yamaha replaced the power head at which time I had 40hrs on the motor. Now, with the second power head, Yamaha rep and mechanic put the first 2 hrs of break in on the new power head. I picked the boat up and the motor ran smoothly. I took the SECOND power head in for it's 20hr service and at this time had the Yamaha synthetic 4-Stroke oil put in as recommended by Yamaha. At the time of this service, I had 66 hrs on the motor. At approximately 70 hrs, is when the second power head or the motor began squeaking again. Once again, Yamaha was contacted and this time they replaced not only the power head, but the mid-section as well.
As for what the exact cause of the noise and/or failure is, I DO NOT KNOW, nor does the YAMAHA REP. because neither the rep nor the mechanic were allowed to tear into the engine. I was told that both units (the first and second) were crated up and sent back to be disassembled by the engineers.

Now I would like to make note of some coincidences between the first and second power heads. Both power heads were early serial numbers and both seemed to begin squeaking after the 20 hr service. One thing I did notice is that after the 20 hr service and when the engine would start squeaking, the oil level would be up like it had made oil, about a 1/2 in above the upper mark and I would drop from 6000 rpm at WOT to about 5600 rpm at WOT. It was also noted that on the first power head, that there was a loss in oil pressure according to the ECU.

Lastly, I would like to say that YAMAHA has treated me great. Not once has Yamaha tried to place the blame of the break down on me. They have understood my frustration and corrected my issue promptly. I honestly believe that Yamaha has a great engine and is working hard to get what few issues there are worked out. I can not be more pleased with the service I have received from YAMAHA.

I wish I could tell you all exactly what was causing the squeaking noise, but I can't. Now that Yamaha has changed the power head and the mid section, if this unit does not squeak, then it would be well to assume that the squeaking was coming from the mid section. Only time will tell.

[Rebel1]

Glad to hear that Yamaha is taking care of you.

[Stratos21XL]

Thank you for taking the time to update us. This is the kind of info that is beneficial to all of us that own one. It gives details and symptoms as well as what was done by Yamaha in an attempt to fix the issue. I'm glad they are working with you and hopefully they will get you going soon. Please keep us posted on how everything works out.

[Big J Mac]

thats for taken the time to post and good luck

[southern_gt]

Good info.....thanks

[Hickory Legend]

Don't worry.... Some members here will be along before to long to let you know since there is no paper or documentation on file the problem didn't exists. Other words dont worry.... four strokes dont fail like 2 strokes, just keep fishing, just keep fishing, no problem.... just keep fishing.

721 Pro XP

[SkeetRJ]

721,
I would not say that there is no documentation. Just because I personally do not have it physically in my possession doesn't mean it does not exist. The day those units were made, they were given serial numbers, every time I've contacted Yamaha, I've documented a discussion summary, and I'm sure every time the Yamaha rep has traveled to look at it, he has documented expenses etc... Or he would not get paid, and I'm sure when those units are disassembled, the findings are documented per QC (quality control). So let's put the documentation argument to rest, there is documentation and I'm sure if it ever came down to it a lawyer could obtain it.

The whole point of my original post and this post was to see if there were any other SHO owners having the same or similar problem as i was having. To let other SHO owners know of an issue, so that they could be aware. That is what forums are for, discussions and information, not bashing.
I also intended to inform other SHO owners that if they do have a problem, they could feel confident that Yamaha would take care of them. Sure they may not get it fixed right the first time, but they will keep working on it until they do.
I do not have enough time on the 3rd power head to say it is 100% fixed, but only time will tell. But rest assured, I will post information and share findings as they occur.

[VMaxTR19]

Sounds like growing pains. They do tons of R and D and testing, but field operation is what counts. Sounds like Yamaha is treating you right, but at the same time using you as a test bed so to speak. I bet it wont take them long to work out all the "bugs". Frustrating no doubt, but if you hang in there the rewards will be awsome

[bdub]

I hope they do the same for me. I picked my boat up yesterday and ran the first 2 hours of break in by the book to a T. Even had a stop watch to try to hit hour marks at exact time. During the 3rd hour the 3rd time I went to take it to WOT while it was climbing it dropped from about 5400 rpms to 4200 rpms then shutoff and would not crank. While I was trolling back to the landing my dad was able to crank it, but now it will only go to 1000 rpms...I am sure the guardians have kicked in. Terrible feeling on the first day. I could of pucked when it happened. I also checked the oil before I put it in the water with the dealer and after it blew. Before it was between 1/2 and 3/4 and after is was about an inch over full.

[Flyswatter]

Spot on. Run it hard and enjoy.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 721 Pro XP &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Don't worry.... Some members here will be along before to long to let you know since there is no paper or documentation on file the problem didn't exists. Other words dont worry.... four strokes dont fail like 2 strokes, just keep fishing, just keep fishing, no problem.... just keep fishing.

721 Pro XP </td></tr></table>

[Flyswatter]

Let me add these cases are so isolated so lets keep that perspective. The sky is not falling. The insecure few hope and live on every post similar to SkeeterRJ's. As stated earlier by Bama96 motors are not perfect but some are better then others and the SHO by comparison can be very proud of what they are offering. I for one am very happy with what I have and would buy another in a New York second. The SHO is front and center and are a target because of their gamechanging attributes. Of course Yamaha evolutionary path is the motivation for the insecure few becuase they don't have the technology right now. Let me add the insecure few account for less then 1%. The other 99% are great guys, they enjoy their motors and for good reason. They are quality motors. It's easy expose the insecure few by their actions. How many SHO owners are frequently posting on other the motor forums propping up blown PH and lower units? Nuff said.

The Squealing at Idle SHO:

I've had the squealing sound with my 200SHO too so I do have real experience similar to SkeeterRJ's YouTube post. My SHO ran way past where his left off and is still running wildly good. My 200SHO never lost power and never lost performance but it did squeal at idle. The guy who owns it now loves it and runs the stew out of it to this day. As a matter of fact I posted my best all time numbers with the squealing sound just before I sold it to repower to a larger 250SHO. I guess if I pressed enough to remove the squealing noise Yamaha would have addressed it similar to SkeeterRJ. Maybe even replaced it and tear it apart to diagnose that squealing noise. My question to SkeeterRJ did your SHO no longer work or did you wanted that squealing noise addressed and Yamaha took care of you? Perfectly understandable and legitimate per your irritation to the sound. Specific to your case was this a PH replacement from Yamaha torn apart for discovery? A simple yes or no keeps your post simple and clear. Also, it's perfectly fine to say your SHO blew up. My goodness no current two stoke can claim superiority on that front for SHO.

[Hickory Legend]

I really likes the engine first off. Yamaha seems to be standing behind there product and giving great support.

There does seem to be an issue with them though, I wouldn't buy one now!!

Hard to get out and fish in the 50k boat if you can't get it started. I would hate to have 20k tied up in a motor that is in the shop ever 10 hours. They will get them fixed and it going to be the standard. As of right now there is no different in them then the two stroke of the early 90's

721 Pro XP

[falcooon]

bdub ...

Try not to panic..there are many things that can cause your problem besides a "blown engine". Many are electrical in nature as in sensors, temps, ecu, etc. I doubt that if your engine was "blown" that it would start and idle.

Wait until your dealer analyses the system and post back the results (on a new post please) when you get them.

Your have a beautiful rig and I know your heart is broken but be patient. With three hours, I am sure there is a simpler cause of your shut down.

Good Luck

[bdub]

Thanks for words falcooon ...I hope you are right. I am not in anyway bashing the SHO...IT IS BY FAR THE FASTEST ACCELERATING MOTOR I HAVE EVER RAN AND CAN'T WAIT TILL I AM BACK ON THE WATER WITH IT...just had a miserable day yesterday that went from a super high with a brand new rig to a super low in a matter of 2 hrs and about 6 mins. I will post results when I hear in a new thread.

Till then,

Brandon

[Flyswatter]

I find it interesting to read your reponse but it's a typical two stroke response.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 721 Pro XP &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

There does seem to be an issue with them though, I wouldn't buy one now!!

Hard to get out and fish in the 50k boat if you can't get it started. I would hate to have 20k tied up in a motor that is in the shop ever 10 hours. They will get them fixed and it going to be the standard. As of right now there is no different in them then the two stroke of the early 90's 721 Pro XP</td></tr></table>

In same breath in the Yamaha forum here's another ProXS user sharing his two stroke experience with todays two stroke technology. Thats why you have warranties. [b]For SHO it's not 1990[b] but yet two strokers want to hold the SHO to a different standard.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Jamie &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> I just wanted to say I enjoyed all of the fighting back and forth about the SHO motor problems on this site. I run a mercury ProXS 250 and I have had my problems with bad coils and broke lower units. </td></tr></table>

[Rich Z]

Fly, I’d say he is absolutely right on. There is nothing more frustrating then having a 50k+ brand new rig that has more time in the shop then on the water. And if you think it sounds like a two stroke response then so be it. You and Bama are the only ones who think this motor is problem free. IMO, they are not more trouble free at this point then any other motor. If you like them to be compared to a two stroke then you are the only one who thinks that way. You should be banned from using words and phrases like “generality, game changing technology and two stroke normal” WTF! Stop smoking crack! I would like for this motor to succeed but at this point it’s a disappointment for quite a few who own them.



Modified by Rich Z at 8:35 AM 7/4/2011

[SkeetRJ]

Fly,
I can see where there could be misunderstanding with the semantics. In the original post, I did say I just blew my second power head. It might have been better to say that I just had my second power head fail, which I believe I have tried to convey. I did have a loss in power. I have a video which I did not post showing that the max RPMs I could get was 5600. I showed the video Yamaha, but not necessary to show it on the forum because people understand what a drop in RPMs means.
If it were not for the loss in power, I probably could live with the noise, because I could not hear it at WOT due to ambient noise. But, like I said, I had a what I consider a significant loss in engine performance.
Again, I can not give Yamaha enough kudos for the way they have treated me.

[Flyswatter]

Rich,

I left the two stroke normal and couldn't be happier with my SHO. Enjoy your two stroke reality and prosper. I can continue to document todays two strokes issues that still continue but yet so many are concerned with the SHOs momentum. Until Two strokes can clean their own durability house casting stones at the SHO's isolated issues is a weak argument.

[Hickory Legend]

I haven't ran a 2 stroke since 03, I have been running a 4 stroke since.

It just seems funny that ya keep talking like it is an isolated issue, and it is to the SHO.

There is an issue, they are working on it, that are working as hard as they can to get it fixed, and when they do it will be a great motor. Just like the HPDI and Pro XS are today. Still and issue with the Etechs.

But for you two to keep saying that its just rumors, and single issues and nothing major, just go fish is hog wash.

That is all I have to say on this issue. Hope Yamaha gets it worked out before to long.

721 Pro XP

[Flyswatter]

No problems on the SHO side. Thanks for coming in and checking into the SHO.

We have so many experts that don't own a SHO and the list is growing. If there was a real issue it would pale in comparison to the history of the two stroke normal. All we have are isolated cases. If there was an issue the SHO has got to go a long way to catch up.

As for your fourstroke you get it. Enjoy it's attributes and prosper.