Powerhead issues with Yamaha SHO?

[trtdds]

I have a new 2012 SHO 225 with maybe 25-30 hours on it. While talking outboards with some friends and bragging on the performance of my motor, I was told by a friend who guides on Falcon Lake in Texas that the SHO's have been having problems with blowing up the powerhead. I have not heard this anywhere else, but was curious if anyone else has had problems or has heard of any issues with the Yamaha SHO's. I'd appreciate any and all input anyone might have.

[BaseballFisherman]

I've got 85 Hours on my 250 SHO. Not a single issue with it so far except for a blown fuse that wouldn't allow the motor to turn over. There were extra fuses inside the cowling, so I just replaced the fuse and cranked it back up. Other than that, I love my SHO so far and it is one bad arse outboard!

[Will"E"Fish]

31 Hours on mine ;fuel economy great; preformance surprising .what else is there to say.

[skeeter77346]

First, I would not worry too much, but you can go the BassBoatCentral and read up on the issues raised by SHO owners.
Second and FYI, I had 2 SHO powerheads (250hp) replaced by Yamaha within 60 hours on a 2011 rig and the third one is still going strong on my last YF 21. All was done by the book and all was covered by Yamaha.

When I ordered my YF 24 I went with the ..... wait for it.... the 300 Yam - same 4.2L block as the SHO. Just a badd azz motor.

Recommend that you run the fuel (89 Octane) and oil and additives by the book and do not worry. I think I had some unique issues associated with some of the early SHOs that have since been resolved.

Either way the Yamaha service and warranty support is excellent if you need it.

I had the same fuse issue that BaseballFisherman mentioned and was way back in the marsh with my brother on a weekday. Called the Yamaha Atlanta guys from the water and they got me going within 10 minutes by phone.

Good luck.

[jlincecum]

what fuse is that?

[skeeter77346]

Originally Posted by jlincecum

what fuse is that?

Fuse that allows ECU to power up and fire the motor. Starboard side of block, top half, there is a fuse box. Open it up, you will see some small blade fuses in there. Yamaha actually packed a few extras. One day in the marsh, it would crank, but no fire. That was what we experienced. As I recall the tech (on the phone) had us check the fuel pump fuses first, but those were fine.

[jchief]

Just make sure you have extras on board.

From what I have been hearing, this is a fairly common occurrence.