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

[ordonje]

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.

I'm not sure, just going on what my dealer told me that there IS a recall.
My guess is he wants my sled in and ready to go when the SB is released. I'm almost wondering if he has the rods in stock.. Mine is the only MPI trail turbo sled he sold last year. I'll know more this weekend.

 

[alexm2816]

I'm not sure, just going on what my dealer told me that there IS a recall.
My guess is he wants my sled in and ready to go when the SB is released. I'm almost wondering if he has the rods in stock.. Mine is the only MPI trail turbo sled he sold last year. I'll know more this weekend.

Interesting, I'll shoot the local dealer an email.

I bought my sled out of state about 6 hours away as I was on vacation and my pickup needed the traction after my 4wd went out.

 

[cannondale27]

Owners will get letters also.

 

[alexm2816]

Owners will get letters also.

Patience never was my strong suit!

 

[ccmviper]

This is only for turbo'ed Vipers?

 

[ordonje]

This is only for turbo'ed Vipers?

That's what the initial 'intent to recall" appears to say...
I would surprised, but not shocked if the recall included all vipers with the "new" motor

 

[InRBigness]

Has anyone in Canada heard anything? I have been so far told this is a US only thing at this time but may be changed to include us here in the great white north.

 

[Joe ltx-le]

Has anyone in Canada heard anything? I have been so far told this is a US only thing at this time but may be changed to include us here in the great white north.

I called Yamaha Canada and they told me the same man. I hope Yamaha comes through for you.

 

[sk-rx1]

Has anyone heard how long it will take dealers to do this update? Seems like it will be tough for any dealer that sold a few turbos to do this work while trying to get the 17's ready to go. Can't see the update kits being available much before Dec if they are not out yet.

 

[ordonje]

Has anyone heard how long it will take dealers to do this update? Seems like it will be tough for any dealer that sold a few turbos to do this work while trying to get the 17's ready to go. Can't see the update kits being available much before Dec if they are not out yet.

My dealer reached out to me and wanted my sled in asap for just that reason. Since I had the only Turbo he sold last year, my situation may be unique and he may buy the parts to do it now and get reimbursed when the kits actually come out.

 

[hibshman25]

While we all know the rods changed on the 16's, based on info I have gathered the underlying issue is that the engines are heat soaking and detonation is occurring at temps around 190 F. The detonation is causing the rods to prematurely fail. With the cooling fan only coming on at 195 F, it's essentially too late. Easiest solution is to install a manual toggle switch and run the fan all the time, however that's not fool proof. I'm working on something that will turn the fan on automatically once the sled starts. If the fan runs constant coolant temps should maintain around 165 degrees and therefore the chance of heat soak will go down as the sled will never be shut down close to the danger point of 190. This dealer I'm working with did close to 15 MPI kits last year. Keeping the viper cooler will hopefully allow guys to run with no issues until rods can be replaced.

 

[alexm2816]

Has anyone heard how long it will take dealers to do this update? Seems like it will be tough for any dealer that sold a few turbos to do this work while trying to get the 17's ready to go. Can't see the update kits being available much before Dec if they are not out yet.

That's where I'm at. The dealers know it's coming but won't/can't do the work until the bulletin is finalized, then there's getting parts, finding an open slot, and getting the work done around prepping all the 17s and other work. Just hoping I don't miss any of the white stuff.

 

[cannondale27]

It's just bad rods

While we all know the rods changed on the 16's, based on info I have gathered the underlying issue is that the engines are heat soaking and detonation is occurring at temps around 190 F. The detonation is causing the rods to prematurely fail. With the cooling fan only coming on at 195 F, it's essentially too late. Easiest solution is to install a manual toggle switch and run the fan all the time, however that's not fool proof. I'm working on something that will turn the fan on automatically once the sled starts. If the fan runs constant coolant temps should maintain around 165 degrees and therefore the chance of heat soak will go down as the sled will never be shut down close to the danger point of 190. This dealer I'm working with did close to 15 MPI kits last year. Keeping the viper cooler will hopefully allow guys to run with no issues until rods can be replaced.

You do know that a NA Race sled basicly cut the motor in half last season when one of the JUNK rods let loose? I would not even think of trying to ease anyones worries if they have a Turbo. But your call.

 

[ccmviper]

It's just bad rods

You do know that a NA Race sled basicly cut the motor in half last season when one of the JUNK rods let loose? I would not even think of trying to ease anyones worries if they have a Turbo. But your call.

Was it modded in any way or stock?I have a late model 16.Just curious if any stock sleds have had rod failures.I haven't seen any posted here.How far can you push these engines?

 

[cannondale27]

Was it modded in any way or stock?I have a late model 16.Just curious if any stock sleds have had rod failures.I haven't seen any posted here.How far can you push these engines?

Stock XC sled supposedly. Only one I heard of other than turbos though. Could be a Fluke but all you guys should get new motors. Not just rods unless they do it in summer and its done by a select few.