Warning, -16 late build Viper turbo breakdowns, bad rods.

[HURRICANE]

You can order the nytro rods on the web site with a note to say that your engine is a 2016 untill we get the 2016 rods on the web site or you can email us at hurricanedave@hotmail.ca or just give us a call at 613-925-2019

 

[Vmaxkid]

Just as a FYI - I was just at the Race Into Winter Grass Drags in NH this weekend. I was talking to the Yamaha rep and a local dealer about possibly getting a used Viper turbo since I can't afford a new Sidewinder... I asked about reliability if I picked up one with an MPI trail turbo that was dealer installed and if Yamaha does really stand behind their warranty on these machines. The rep. and dealer told me that if you go with the standard boost and aren't modifying the motor past that they would. The dealer then stated "but stay away from 2016 models". The rep. gave the dealer a funny look then the rep stepped in and elaborated that they are aware there is an issue with rods on the 2016's when a turbo is added... But the rep. stated Yamaha is coming out with a service bulletin that any 2016 that has turbo added they will replace the rods. I asked when this would happen and he said very soon. I didn't know about this issue until I heard it from them. And then last night started reading all of your posts. I have to say I have been a long time Yamaha supporter and in my adult life all of my sleds have been Yamahas. I was pleased by Yamaha replacing my crank on my 98 SRX even though I had no issues with it. I was upset that my starter blew up on my 08 Nytro in Canada leaving me down for a day and a half because half the sled had to be torn apart to get to it and cost me $$$ out of pocket and although out of warranty upon my return I called Yamaha customer service and was advised they were aware of no starter issues and wouldn't do anything even though I read on here that others were having the same issue... and apparently this continued on into the Viper line. It certainly makes me wonder about how far brand loyalty goes when there is an issue and reading about the problems some of you guys have had... But I just wanted to post it here that a Yamaha Rep. says they will have a fix for all turbo 2016 Vipers even if they haven't failed yet, they intend to replace the rods.

 

[STAIN]

Have You found a used turbo viper yet?

 

[RTX]

Just as a FYI - I was just at the Race Into Winter Grass Drags in NH this weekend. I was talking to the Yamaha rep and a local dealer about possibly getting a used Viper turbo since I can't afford a new Sidewinder... I asked about reliability if I picked up one with an MPI trail turbo that was dealer installed and if Yamaha does really stand behind their warranty on these machines. The rep. and dealer told me that if you go with the standard boost and aren't modifying the motor past that they would. The dealer then stated "but stay away from 2016 models". The rep. gave the dealer a funny look then the rep stepped in and elaborated that they are aware there is an issue with rods on the 2016's when a turbo is added... But the rep. stated Yamaha is coming out with a service bulletin that any 2016 that has turbo added they will replace the rods. I asked when this would happen and he said very soon. I didn't know about this issue until I heard it from them. And then last night started reading all of your posts. I have to say I have been a long time Yamaha supporter and in my adult life all of my sleds have been Yamahas. I was pleased by Yamaha replacing my crank on my 98 SRX even though I had no issues with it. I was upset that my starter blew up on my 08 Nytro in Canada leaving me down for a day and a half because half the sled had to be torn apart to get to it and cost me $$$ out of pocket and although out of warranty upon my return I called Yamaha customer service and was advised they were aware of no starter issues and wouldn't do anything even though I read on here that others were having the same issue... and apparently this continued on into the Viper line. It certainly makes me wonder about how far brand loyalty goes when there is an issue and reading about the problems some of you guys have had... But I just wanted to post it here that a Yamaha Rep. says they will have a fix for all turbo 2016 Vipers even if they haven't failed yet, they intend to replace the rods.

The service notice has already been posted on here somewhere.
It is worded very specific. Only mpi turbos.
If you have hurricane or others your out of luck at this point according to how it is worded.
If it was me, i would completely avoid a 16 model unless you can verify it has an older model motor in it.

 

[RTX]

Cannondale posted this in another thread.
I just copied it for those that are interested

 

[ccmviper]

I have a 16...no turbo but still wonder about long term reliability of these rods.Im not sure if I have a late build model.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

I have a 16...no turbo but still wonder about long term reliability of these rods.Im not sure if I have a late build model.

If you look in on the exhaust side you can see the valve cover. They changed the design. theres a thread on here with pics.

What's the build date on the back of the tunnel?

 

[ccmviper]

If you look in on the exhaust side you can see the valve cover. They changed the design. theres a thread on here with pics.

What's the build date on the back of the tunnel?

I cant see the date right now,its under the gas can holder.What dates are good?
I'll have a look for the pics here.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

Anything past April 2015 has the new engine , i think.

 

[cannondale27]

Here you go. In FAQ. First pic is the new engine.
http://www.ty4stroke.com/threads/2016-5-late-build-viper-changes.137648/

 

[ccmviper]

I'll have a look tomorrow.Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Michael Geil]

I may sell my 16 turbo sled next year after i see how the new sidewinder is..I also wonder how many 16 turbo sleds are out there cant be many

 

[ordonje]

Got an email from my dealer stating there IS a recall... He wants my sled in for it before he gets really busy with the '17's.
I'll probably drop it off next weekend. BTW, my sleds build date is 5/2015

 

[alexm2816]

Got an email from my dealer stating there IS a recall... He wants my sled in for it before he gets really busy with the '17's.
I'll probably drop it off next weekend. BTW, my sleds build date is 5/2015

Ordonje, did you hear if the service bulletin is "released" now? I spoke with a few places trying to get the work done before the snow flies and was told to call back in a week or so as the bulletin hadn't been released yet.