Seems like folks have had a lot of problems with VMAX HPDI Series 1 motors. Can someone provide some insight into the improvements made on the Series 2 and is it really a better motor compared to Series 1 or even the OX66. Seems like everytime a Series 1 is replaced under warranty Skeeter replaces it with a Series 2.

Thanks

hard to say "lot of problems"

The Series 2 is the same motor with an updated oiling system.

I was selling Skeeters when the Series 2 came out. I'll cover what I was told, as I remember it.

The HPDI (technically never called Series 1) had an oiling issue that was causing it to blow powerheads. It oiled very effectively at low rpm's and did the same at max rpm's. The guys that babied the motor and kept it in the 4000-4500 range were losing the last 2 cylinders as it didn't oil effectively at mid-range.

So they came out with the service bulletin asking everyone to bring the HPDI's in and they would change the oil pump. At the same time they changed the production motors so the problem would be corrected. The motors that were changed were called Series 2.

They remapped the ECU so it would oil effectively across all rpms. They changed the pistons, used a different ring on the pistons and made the warranty 3 years instead of the 2 that came with the HPDI's. I assumed at the time that 5 years down the road the Series 2 would come to be known as a band aid fix has about proven correct. They were so far along with the new SHO motor that the direct injections motors are about to be a thing of the past. Down the road when everything is 4-stroke the Series 2 will have only been produced a short time.

And yes, all new powerheads are Series 2. So any HPDI that blows is effectively a Series 2 but without the decals.

(sorry for such a long response)

No worries about the long response...that was the info that I was looking for...thanks K.D.!

I currently have an OX66 on my TZX 190 but if I upgrade to a bigger boat it looks like I will have to get an HPDI.

Are there any other problems that the HPDI motors are known for? Or things I should look out for with the newer motor. I know a guy that just bought a new Ranger a few months ago and he ordered it with an OX66 because a mechanic friend of his told him that the maintenance on the HPDI is expensive and when things go wrong they really go wrong. The old carbeurated motor in his opinion is more reliable and easier to work on.

I am assuming the the performance is going to be better.

I would have told you exactly what your mechanic friend told you. I would buy an HPDI if I knew the powerhead had been replaced already. Otherwise I would be looking a few years older and trying to find the OX66 motor. This all depends on size. If you're talking 200 HP and up the above is true. If you're looking at 150's I'd just try and find a 4 stroke. Unless you're a speed freak, the F150 is a bullet proof motor and the guys that have them absolutely love them.

I am liking the ZX225 with the 225 motor for an upgrade. Found a few with the OX66 and most with the HPDI Series 2 (either replaced by warranty or Series 2 from the factory.)

Sounds like I should not expect any problems as long as it's not a series 1.

So here is another question...

If you were going to buy a used 2005-2007 ZX225 would you buy one with an HPDI Series 2 or an OX66?

Need some advice on which one and why?

I've had a series II 3.3ltr HPDI 200 for two years and have had zero problems other than a clogged fuel strainer screen from gunk due to ethanol eating the lining out of my main fuel line.

They are great on Gas.. I use to burn 14-16 gallons with my Carbed 200 VMAX a tournament and now it's 7-8 gallons .. the series II also uses slightly less Yamalube oil than the older engines. I can't give you any info on the OX66 since I have not ran one nor anyone I've fished with.

The Yamaha 10 Micron (water seporating) Fuel filter is one thing you need to make sure the boat has... it will save you a lot of fuel related problems.

Thanks Bazz

Kelly your really giving me a warm fuzzy with those words of doom&gloom on the 1-st roll out of the big block HPDI's..
LOL.

Honestly---Knock on Wood, mine has been flawless.
I run the pizz out of it year round.
Many times I cover 20-30 miles in a day, that motor is just as strong as it was when I bought it 7-years ago.

Maybe I got a good one, I've been through the recall etc..
She may blow tomorrow, but I can't complain on what she's given me so far..

I have owned all 3 engines and so far the only issue I have seen with any of them was one of the OX66 blew up about a year after I sold it. The first HPDI I had was non series 2 and was flawless. Still runs like a top. I have have a Series 2 andit is without question the strongest and best running Yamaha I have owned.
Simply take care of them and use Ring Free religiously. Use good oil, change out spark plugs and impellers on regulat basis and drive it like you stole it sometimes and it will be fine.

Red,

You don't have to worry bud. Remember, I said the guys who babied their motors and stayed at about 4-4500 rpms had problems. Those that run the pizz outta them have no issues. The problem was the oiling at mid-range rpms. Based on what you said, I don't think your motor has ever seen 4500 rpms other than when the needle passes it headed to 6K!!

LOL.... I do crusie at 51-5200 (sometimes)..
I have noticed it smoking a little more than normal at startup though.. I guess it won't hurt anything, I know it's oiling..
I will say this, those motors will burn some oil. Shoewww, only minor complaint I got.

Thanks Mark...good info!

im about to get a 08 series 2 250, im glad to see they are decent motors