Yanmar 4 JHE

[laskihand]

Hi there!

I am about to buy a boat called "Skäreleja" powered by a Yanmar 4 JHE. I wonder if anybody has any knowledge about this engine? Is it good, has it any weak pionts, anything special that I should look extra on, and so on.
I am from Sweden som I only know things about Volvo Penta

Thank you// Birger

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by laskihand

Hi there!

I am about to buy a boat called "Skäreleja" powered by a Yanmar 4 JHE. I wonder if anyboda has any knowledge about this engine? Is it good, has it any weak pionts, anything special that I should look extra on, and so on.
I am fron Sweden som I only know things about Volvo Penta

Thank you// Birger

Good engine (I have a 4JH3E). Only problem is the impeller is difficult (actually nearly impossible) to get at if there is poor access from the left (facing forward) side. So if the engine compartment has a bulkhead on that side it's not easy! Otherwise an excellent engine. Just after I bought mine they changed it so everything is easily accessible from the front of the engine. Pls don't mention Volvo to an owner that had a Volvo 2003!

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Only problem is the impeller is difficult (actually nearly impossible) to get at if there is poor access from the left (facing forward) side. So if the engine compartment has a bulkhead on that side it's not easy! Otherwise an excellent engine.

Amen to that... We have no access on the impeller side and sometimes have had to remove the alternator and water pump just to get change it. PITA.

[FraidNot]

my 4JH3E has 5000 hrs and the engine oil spectral analysis shows it is in great shape internally.
Engine mounts will need change soonish.
My impeller is OK for access.

[pjazz]

My boat is equipped with the 54hp, 4JH4E. Yanmar makes great engines, low maintenance if regular service is performed and extremely reliable. Less expensive to run than Volvos (parts cost...)

Accessibility to components is more of a boat specific issue. Some builders just try to cram the engine into the smallest of places, hence problems such as Vasco mentions.

And yes, engine mounts are often the key to a smooth running, problem free (read vibration free) engine.

Happy shopping.

[rebel heart]

4JH4E owner. Great engine, I have easy access all the way around. I do regular maintenance and have never had a single operational problem (knock on wood). I also have twin Racor filters installed which (too me) are just as important as anything else you can do to the engine.

[Charlie]

Another vote for the 4JH4E. I had one problem with the lift pump but finally realized that I may have caused that problem. It has been a very reliable engine and easy to work on.

[laskihand]

Hello! Thank you for all the answers! I might buy the boat, it is a very nice boat built on the island of Marstrand on the west coast of Sweden!

[DeepFrz]

Very pretty indeed.