HPDI vs EFI 200 hp 10-12 years as far as cost/repair

[coach 76]

I like your input on owning Yamaha HPDI or EFI over a 10-12 year period. I am looking at long term expenses and repairs. I have to decide on 03 boat with 200 HPDI or order 04 with 200 EFI. I cant afford to order an 04 with HPDI. I know that the HPDI is complex engine and alot can go wrong on during this tme period. I have owned a 150 carb Johnson since 94 and happy with the performance and cost over the last 10 years.

[Miami Vice]

When I purchased my 2003 200hp Yamaha engine I was faced with the same choice and went for the EFI because it was going to be much cheaper to maintain than the HDPI. When you are using pumps to build up pressure to almost 1,000psi, and then have plumbing (tubing & pipes) carrying this high pressure fluid (gasoline) on an engine that shakes and vibrates it stands to reason that things will need to be serviced. Things like high pressure pumps requiring rebuilding, and having new fuel lines and fittings replaced. When I replaced one “low tech” carb on a V6 Yamaha, it cost over $300 so can you imagine what it will cost for a high pressure pump.
The newer technology engines may offer a lot of benefits, but it will come at a price.
Miami Vice

[coach 76]

I appreciate your answer and feel the same as you. How do you like your EFI? If I look at Yamaha Performance Bulletins how do I identify EFI engines?

[Miami Vice]

It smokes a lot when you first start it up, but after that you don’t notice any smoke or smell when going forward. Of course it starts right away hot or cold. When looking at test results the engine is called an OX66. A HDPI will be quieter, and burn less gas, and have almost no smoke on start up, but you’re paying thousands more for it (comparing a 2004 to a 2004), and you will be paying more down the road in terms of maintenance. The noise on my engine isn’t objectionable, neither is the smoke, and since fuel only amounts to 10% of the total cost of running a boat, you will never get your money back on fuel savings.
Getting an EFI now is a wise choice. In 10-12 years when you replace it, by then you will know if the V-6 big block 4 stroke, the straight six small block 4 stroke supercharger, or the 3 different DFI types of engines, turned out to be the best engines.
To me the only thing that makes a good engine is one that’s reliable, and has the lowest cost to maintain. On a 200hp engine the top speed and or acceleration from one brand to another doesn’t vary that much. Some use more gas than others, but again if you’re paying more money up front to buy it that becomes a wash. As all engines are getting quieter, the noise of the wind and waves is becoming the loudest noise on the boat.
Miami Vice

[fishhunter]

From what I have been told the O2 sensors on the OX66 are a little touchy and will need to be cleaned or replaced frequently. The price differance for the HPDI is only about 12-1500 and that will be recouped in the resale. I talked to Destry at lacannes yesterday and they have a new 1950 with a 200 4 stroke for 30,500 which I thought was a great deal. I think he said it was blue.

[geoff]

It seems like such a wate to put the behmoth yamaha 200 4S on anthing. All the acceleration of a sloth.

[Ted]

You guys might want to get the facts on the HPDI and any other DFI motor... they are amazing - reliable, dependable and extremely fuel & oil efficient when compared to a carb'd engine.

I just sold a 2002 200 VMAX HPDI with 351 hours on it and only changed plugs 3X and lower unit fluid twice. Why do you think both Yamaha's HPDI and 4-strokes have won the JD power awards? Check out the service trailer area at any major tournament - pretty rare to see major issues at the Yamaha trailer.

And then there's the reduced gas and oil consumption that goes for all DFI motors. My fuel bill is 1/2 of what it used to be and my oil bill is even less than that. If I was to own an engine for 10 years, no doubt that it would be the HPDI.

If you guys are in love with the carb'd engines, just say so but don't insinuate that the inner workings of a proven reliable engine are suspect based on your gut feel.

For what it's worth I have a new 225 VMAX HPDI sitting in my garage waiting to be broken in!

ted
#858