Posted: September 03 2006 at 17:45 | IP Logged

Looking for advice about Yamaha 4 Strokes. I just bought a new Grady with twin 250's. These are no doubt incredible machines. I am amazed that the dealer stressed (as well as the owner's manual) that I need to use Yamaha "Ring Free" in the gas. At $18 per bottle that adds about 15 cents to the price of every gal. Is this a scam? Is there another product that's more reasonable?

If these engines are as durable and sophisticated as I'm told why the additives?

Posted: September 04 2006 at 17:47 | IP Logged

    Cap;n Dan

      I am on my second GW boat.  The current one a 270 Islander with twin 150 Yamahas.  I have been using Valv-Tect products.  I am told additives such as injector cleaners are worth using.  Keeping injectors clean and functioning adds to engine-life.  Valv-Tect also has a carbon free additive which is much like Yamaha's Ring Free.  I think these additives are like insurance.  Quality of gasoline is probably the key, and the additive is insurance against poor quality gasoline.  Valv-Tect is about half the cost of the Yamaha additive.

Hope this helps.

Posted: September 04 2006 at 19:42 | IP Logged

Thanks for the advice. I have looked and there aren't any marinas in the area that sell Valv-Tect gas however you got me interested in their additive. I checked on line and indeed the similar additive to Ring Free, Carbon Free, is half the price but it treats half the gallons.  I looked at the West Marine catalog and there are numerous additives that claim to do the same thing. One in particular is PRI-G. Seems to do the same and more and is actually a good deal less expensive.

I'll do some more research. I guess I just find it hard to believe that they can't make these engines to be less of a hassle and less expensive to operate. I'm trying to picture myself at the fuel dock guessing how many gallons I need and then measuring out how many ounces of additive to add to the tank while another boat is waiting to fuel up. UGH!!.

Thanks again.

Dan

Posted: September 04 2006 at 21:20 | IP Logged

<I just bought a new Grady with twin 250's.>

worrying about 15 cents a gallon doesn't reconcile with that statement.  also, as you note, Yamaha is stressing that you use the additive.  my service guys (whom i trust) tell me it makes a big difference in reducing carbon build up on the cylinders and in performance.  you can save a few bucks if you buy the quarts (and if you use your fuel management gauges, you will know pretty much what your burn has been). 

i have an '02 gulfstream w/ twin f200's.  they run as smoothly as when they were brand new and burn better than 2 mpg at cruise.  the cost of the ring free is pretty much at the bottom of the list. 

before you bypass a manufacturer's recommendation (and especially considering how much each of those engines cost you) you have to ask yourself, "do you feel lucky?" 

Posted: September 14 2006 at 18:44 | IP Logged

Dave,

I have done a lot of research and it seems that everyone does recommend an additive to the gas. Ring Free is certainly the most expensive. I received some very helpful information from PRI-G. Seems to do everything that Ring Free does and more and it's half the price. Also, I was in West Marine the other day and the salesman pointed out a product from Starbrite (blue liquid in a clear bottle) that he said he heard was also a step above Ring Free and I believe that was also a lot cheaper. Didn't catch the name.

This whole thing still annoys me. With the price of those engines you would think they could make them a bit less in need of care. I am going in for a 20 hour service tomorrow. That also annoys me. I've owned some very expensive cars and never had to do this.

Posted: September 15 2006 at 15:55 | IP Logged

Dave,

You had me worried about my 20 hr. service. I just returned and it was (only) $207 for everything you mentioned. Although I am still annoyed that I have to do this, that really seemed fair as they pulled the boat and even gave it a complete cleaning. This included scrubbing the hull (I don't paint the bottom). The guys were terrific and professional. They warned me that the 100 hr. service is much more involved (UGH!).

The worse part is that the marina is 50 miles round trip from home. That's a lot of gas today to go get service.

Posted: October 29 2007 at 18:45 | IP Logged

RingFree was created for Yamaha by Chevron for the HPDI motors due to the oil burning and their o2 sensors. It made sense to carry on the recommendation for the 4-strokes to ensure clean combustion chambers and fuel injectors, and a continued revenue source. The actual requirement for the F-series motors is way over blown.

BTW, Amsoil makes an outstanding product called PERFORMANCE IMPROVER, it's a fuel conditioner and carbon remover with super detergent properties. It's $6 for a bottle good for up to 40 gallons of gas.  A lot of us Yam 4-stroke owners are using it along with their outboard motor oil for 4-strokes, and their gearlube. I know, Amsoil blah-blah-blah - it's great stuff though. A fuel preservative is recommend if you have any E-10 in the tank and will store for more than 6-8 weeks.

BTW, the service requirements on those engines are well within a talented DIY'er's capabilities. About the only thing a dealer might be required for is a valve clearance check which can be done about every 400 hours, and replacing the cam belt which is done about a thousand hours. I just did the 100 hour service and it's a piece of cake. Plugs are good for a couple hundred hours at least. Same thing there, from the 2-smoke days they recommend a remove and clean every 100 hours. But you'll find them like new in that length of time.

Another BTW, only use a OEM oil filter, the Sierra filter is not the same quality. Andy at SIM is a great source for parts if you want to mail order at a discount.