General Question about 2 stroke engines, Mercury in particular

[cpo1]

While boating to watch fireworks I noticed that almost every boat motor was a 4 stroke. Mine was too on the pontoon boat. I have a 1972 80HP Mercury Thunderbolt that is connected to a 1973 Chrysler tri-hull bass boat. I got the boat and motor (plus a duplicate salvage motor) recently in a trade and thought I would like to restore it somewhat as a classic. My question is: why don't you see the 2 stroke Mercury's out there much anymore? Is it because of environmental regulations that I am not aware of, or is it just because they can be temperamental and parts can be hard to get? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[bobkat1864]

Hi there...I run a 2 stroke, and always have. The power to weight ratio is much higher because of the way the engine works...and large diesels for ships and trucks are mostly 2 strokes as well. However, the emissions are much more difficult to control, and they tend to be noisier. Also, the ethanol in today's fuels is not kind to them. As far as parts availability, it probably depends on the make, but I'm pretty sure that 2 stroke outboards are no longer being manufactured. I could be wrong, so maybe someone else will comment on that. As for reliability, I think the 2 stroke, with its fewer moving parts, might actually win out on that one.

 

[racerone]

Many folks do not understand the concept of a 2 stroke engine.---The mixing of oil and gas in a mystery to some.------Dealers and sales people have convinced folks to lay out big money for the " just push the button " new technology.------Yes these new motors are less polluting , quiet , efficient etc , etc.----That all comes at a cost.-----It proves that folks do have money to pay for convenience !

 

[jimmbo]

Ahh, the sweet smell of a good two stroke oil you get after a boat passes by. Brings back a lot of great memories.

 

[Dukedog]

but I'm pretty sure that 2 stroke outboards are no longer being manufactured. I could be wrong, so maybe someone else will comment on that. As for reliability, I think the 2 stroke, with its fewer moving parts, might actually win out on that one.

they are still being built BUT aren't long for this world..... thanks ta tha epa and states like California....

 

[bobkat1864]

Ah, ok. I'll sure miss them, when and if they go. The little 3 horse one I have, I can lift it with one hand. A 4 stroke would weigh easily twice as much, I think.

 

[racerone]

Some of the newest parts motors I have are 4 strokes.--------Deemed not worth fixing by shops.-----------A 6 hp Johnson 2 stroke from the 60's / 70's is far superior in my opinion.

 

[Chris1956]

I do not think you can buy larger 2 cycle outboards anymore. Pollution standards have prohibited their sale, for some years now.

4 cycle and 2 cycle direct injection motors are the only motors to meet the pollution standards. 4 cycle and 2 cycle direction injection motors are very complex in comparison to conventional 2 cycle motors.

 

[racerone]

The little repair shop on the lake ( if there are any left ) can not cope with the repairs of these technical wonders.

 

[jeremy davis]

I was hoping someone could help me with my 79 mercury 2 stroke I believe it's a model 40 although thr 402 looks the same. Anyway I took the baffle plate and exhaust cover slash water jacket off to replace leaky gaskets and ended up with two gaskets one thicker and grey colored the other thinner and black. My question is which one goes where I can't find anything on it. My guess is that the thicker grey gasket would probably go on the block because of the heat produced by the engine. is this correct.

 

[airshot]

While boating to watch fireworks I noticed that almost every boat motor was a 4 stroke. Mine was too on the pontoon boat. I have a 1972 80HP Mercury Thunderbolt that is connected to a 1973 Chrysler tri-hull bass boat. I got the boat and motor (plus a duplicate salvage motor) recently in a trade and thought I would like to restore it somewhat as a classic. My question is: why don't you see the 2 stroke Mercury's out there much anymore? Is it because of environmental regulations that I am not aware of, or is it just because they can be temperamental and parts can be hard to get? Thanks for your thoughts.

My 1992 Merc runs and looks like new, no issues finding parts, would not think of trading it in on a new 4 stroke....why would I ?? Two strokes are so much easier to work on, my mechanic works on new 4 strokes and had to buy 10k worth of special tools and computers to work on them. If a serious engine issue happens, the factory replaces it with a short block because labor cost are to expensive to actually repair it.