HPDI in a nutshell

[jfaisten]

I've been reading about Yamaha HPDI engines for some time. I know HPDI motors have been beat to death in a variety of forums. I'd like to put down a brief summary and see if I have a good understanding before I buy my next boat. My hope is some experts will chime in and tell me if I'm on the money.
The 2.6L block, 150HP and 200HP -- there are several filters to maintain (VST to name one) and if you do so every 100 hours this is one of the best engines on the market from a quality and durability standpoint.
The 3.3L block, 225HP, 250HP and 300HP are more of a problem and have suffered major issues like scorched pistons. The reason is not enough oil is mixed at mid range RPM's. Yamaha has a fix which is a new oil pump. If that fix is handled and one changes the filters every 100 hours, this is a very good engine on the same level as the 2.6L block (the information out there is not that clear on this point). All maintenance must be completed by a master Yamaha tech with experience with HPDI motors.
Am I close???
Thanks

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

I personally have not heard the problems with scorched pistons on the larger block. I would make sure that the engine you choose has a Yamaha water seperator. I would have a shop verify that their is no fuel restrictions. Make sure the boat is rigged properly. If it does not have a jack plate the anti ventilation plate should even or about an inch to an inch and a half above the keel line. Is it propped correctly? With no one in the boat, except for you, you should be able to just hit the reve limiter. And about piston scoring that can come from a lot of different things. Your biggest concern is the shelf life of gas it has about a 3 month shelf life. Stay away from the "snake oils" of gas additives. As far as the lubrication it is more than adaquate especially in the DFI models. A lot of people assume that it is always lack of lubrication, but to be honest, in my career I have not seen but maybe a handfull of lubrication failures. This is all the brands.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Jeffersondodson561 -- Thank you for your feedback. Would you agree that the 2.6L 200HP is a solid motor given regular maintenance?
Thanks again

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

They are all proven motors. What you need to understand is that their is nothing new with outboard (technology) motors. All elelctrical, fuel and mechanica l components are proven. i.e. the outboard technology today is roughly 10 years behind that of the automobile industry. The biggest probelm you are going to have with your engine is that you are not going to be able to use it enough. The worst thing you can do to an engine is let it sit.

If you:
do your annual services
run good oil any OEM tcw3 oil is good (some shops may sell it in bulk if you bring your own containers)
Use your boat as much as possible.
I would recommend a shock treatment of Ringfree/Quickleen maybe twice every 50-75hrs.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

I have a choice between a 200HP HPDI and a 250 HPDI. The 200 is on a Skeeter 220 and the 250 is on a Triton 220 LTS. Given what I've read relative to reliability and durability, I think I'll stick with the 200. Other views are welcome.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Folks are out until next week so I can't make an offer on the Skeeter with the 200 HPDI until then. Any input on 200 vs 250 HPDI's is welcome. If both have the same amount of hours and general use/maintenance, which motor would you pick -- the 200 or 250? I've learned a lot so far -- more is better
thanks

 

[yamatech43]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Well, yes and no.....the HPDI series is very reliable provided the maint. is kept up...there are three filters that must be changed every 100 or 150 hrs I would say...the issue isn't so much with not enough oil at mid rpms but what is happening at those rpm...if the boat is plowing through the water at sharp angle there is an incredible load on engine....much more than when engine is at w.o.t and going say 45 mph....but not nearly as much oil is being delivered as the oil pump isn't being spun as fast....I would never run a boat with ANY engine in this situation for extended periods...but people do and Yamaha doesn't say "Hey, don't be stupid and do that....they just make it idiot proof...a not so common problem with an engine that is normally renowned for reliablility can look bigger than it is....what gets a lot of the HPDI's that do die is 1)Lack of being maintained(filters, plugs(like mercs, don't like carbon), and they can be a bit touchy with long fuel line runs on big boats(300's) as vacuum gets too high and they are thirsty at w.o.t., very thirsty there. Also they require a very steady 12v supply or will cut out just like fuel starvation, very abrupt on/off/on/off. If you want a motor that is virtually bulletproof and easier to maintain(cheaper, owner can do it) I would recommend my favorite....the OX66.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Yamatech43 -- thanks for your input, much appreciated. I have to make a call between a Skeeter 220 Bay boat with a 200 HPDI and a Triton 220 LTS with a 250 HPDI. I've read a ton of posts on HPDI's and generally, if one maintaines the motor correctly with special attention to the 3 filters you mentioned -- the HPDI is a reliable motor -- maybe better than reliable. However, if given the choice, it appears most people with HPDI experience would go with the 220HP (2.6L block).
Very important call to me. Thanks again.

 

[yamatech43]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Ok, so you're actually talking new on pre-rigged boat.....as long as the dealer is also a Yamaha dealer and I would assume they are....you
won't have any worries at all for a couple of years at least as Yamaha won't say no(can't really) to any warranty or even a non-warranty
(often) item if you are careful in presentation to them....I've had my jaw drop at some of the things they've covered.....I would indeed go with the smaller block on these boats as the issues I mentioned above were with the big blocks, especially the thirsty nature at w.o.t......man I do love that Triton though....good luck but you should be good with either choice.

 

[narvco]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Not to offend Jeff but there were lots of problems with the 250. It was Yamahas biggest blunders. Many powerhead failures. They intoduced the 200 first and rushed the 250 out without adressing greater oiling needs of the bigger block. The second version remedied the problem but the reputation of the motor was already tarnished. The 200 on the otherhand is a great motor. Smaller block and no oil delivery issues. One of the best motors I ever owned. Ran like a top and never missed a beat. Get the 200. you wont be sorry.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

Narvco thanks for the reply. I think you're right on the money. I have personally beat this to death. I found a great bay boat, just what I've been looking for but it has an HPDI 250. I walked away. I've read many, many articles and posts on the 2.7L and the 3.3L. There is no doubt, the 2.7L (150/200HP) is the better option, far better. I also talked to a Yamaha factory tech and when I asked him if he had a choice between the 2.7L vs the 3.3L what would he buy and he didn't hesitate, "200 HP HPDI".

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

it seems to me that as long as the 250 has the updated oil pump you should be fine, providing the engine is in good condition. I would be more concerned about fuel consumption. also make sure everything is properly set up, as previously mentioned, trim tabs, jack plate and other things like weight distribution all can make a difference on the performance and durability of the motor. I use stabil marine ethanol formula, this has seemed to help with reducing/preventing the white powdery residue ethanol leaves behind when it sits up. crank my motors every month also.

 

[jfaisten]

Re: HPDI in a nutshell

SparkieBoat. Thanks for the reply. Like you, I think the 3.3L block can provide very good service. It does take some very careful and frequent maint. Further, you have to really watch the fuel used and the type of oil. I think there are other 2 stroke motors out there that aren't as finicky.