Yanmar Reliability ?

[morganstrudel41]

I'm considering buying a boat with 300 hp Yanmar (Model 6LP-STE) engine. Could I get anyones input on that engine. How long do they last until there are problems, rebuild average time. Thanks for your time.

[AA3JY]

Another good source to ask your guestion(s) is the Yanmar Marine Engine Owners Group on FB

[skipperpete]

Originally Posted by morganstrudel41

I'm considering buying a boat with 300 hp Yanmar (Model 6LP-STE) engine. Could I get anyones input on that engine. How long do they last until there are problems, rebuild average time. Thanks for your time.

They’re a fairly well accepted and reliable engine, my only concern is the timing belt, it’s a real mess if the belt breaks but if the service interval is followed there should be no problems. I’ve read that this engine core is actually not a yanmar, it’s reported to be a Toyota landcruiser .... and it looks a lot smaller in the car without the marine equipment.

[Tin Tin]

Great long lasting high revving diesel engines provided they have been serviced per the manual. I think there was an issue with early models regarding valve stems, so join the Yanmar forum and get the info of year/model this might have applied to.

[Rumrace]

The yanmar 6 is such a good block they just made a liquid hydrogen engine with a new casting. Yanmar Volvo and Mercury inboards are someone else’s block. Most sailboat yanmars are lawn mower motors.
Mercury and Volvo truck motors. Train engines in bigger power boats.
Yanmar 6 is an actual marine motor although they did have several 6 which were not. Yanmar is massive in ocean going shipping
They are close friends and work with Toyota Yamaha. The Yamaha V8 540hp which folks believe is a Toyota will bolt up to your drive line with new engine mounts.
I’d fault Yanmar for still using V belts. Better electrical protection. No improvement in cooling design. Price wise they beat everyone up. Cheap even

[Galumay]

Great engine, based on the 1HZ engine from Toyota Landcruisers, they are good for over 500k kms in landcruisers, so last forever in a marine setting.

[rslifkin]

Realistically, just about any engine will last a long time if maintained properly and operated within a power output range the basic design is happy with. How it's been treated will typically have a bigger impact on lifespan than what engine you've got.

[Rumrace]

There already is a 3 cylinder hydrogen engine ideal for a 50-70’ boat but it was in a car loosing races.
The mighty 6 block got employed as a base for Hydrogen experiments. Hydrogen or not the unique boats coming from Toyota are interesting.
They have twins in on boat to see if they could deliver fuel by helicopter under way.
A liquid hydrogen first. Honda Nissan Suzuki are also involve with a national effort to develop hydrogen as a realistic alternative. Toyota Lexus and a few Special pick ups got various versions of a stellar V8. Valve train stole from BMW but the motor is sweet. Yamaha make it, and now they have produced a few with hydrogen intake and exhaust.

[Rumrace]

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[Baby tug]

I would have to know what boat you’re looking at , I’m sure or I would assume that it’s a relatively new boat hence the yanmar engine , Japanese know how to build engines , however I would much prefer a slower revving Cummings or maybe even a Detroit old school , I doubt it is an option for the boat you’re looking at , would be very hesitant to invest in a high revving , timing belt , Turbo charged engine but that’s just me , I’m sure this Is designed to fit in small places

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by AA3JY

Another good source to ask your guestion(s) is the Yanmar Marine Engine Owners Group on FB

This is a great group with a fount of knowledge!

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by skipperpete

I’ve read that this engine core is actually not a yanmar, it’s reported to be a Toyota landcruiser ....

I can confirm that my Yanmar 6LPA-stp2 has Toyota cast in the block by the water pump">raw water pump.

Slight clarification. The engine is not a 'Toyota Landcruiser'. It is a Toyota motor (the 6LPA-stp2 to be precise) and more than likely the block that they used in the Toyota Landcruiser.

[Rumrace]

My Onan is hurt by the Cummings comment.
You’ll find several castings of the six with changes. I think they are all the same bore and stroke. Landrovers and Rolls Royce had BMW 3.0 and a special V12 before BMW owned either. The Toyota 6 was notoriously better than the Landrovers 6 until the Bimmer 3.0 i6.
Volvo Mercury and Evinrude all used 305 350 454 and the V6 Chevy blocks
Mercury is using LS3 LS6 blocks aluminum.
It’s a block party

[dkenny64]

just my thoughts. if its has a timing belt. stay away. every 6yrs or less you have to replace the belt. depending on how the engine was made. if the belt break you might be facing a complete head rebuild. my wife's jeep has the 2.8lVM diesel. I know not a marine engine but it has a timing belt.. its coming on time to change it again. working on a car is much easier than a boat..just food for thought
-dkenny64