Re: if you want a new carb 2 strok buy NOW
^^^...i second that. I do not regret buying my 2005 merc 150 carby on bit. Yea, it may go through more gas than the Optimax or other equivalent 2 strokes as well as 4 strokes, but for the ease of maintenance, proven reliability, and outstanding performance, it can not be beat. You can't stand up in your backyard with the cowl off and work on your new direct injected 2 stroke or complex 4 stroke with a screwdriver, wrench, and some sockets nor has any DI 2 stroke or 4 stroke outboard been around long enough to guarantee proven reliability for years and years of service. Im not against direct injected 2 strokes at all...i think they are a great advancement in the 2S outboard industry. I just feel that they are very complex with many expensive parts (not to mention 4 strokes as well) that have the potential for more things to go wrong.
More than 90% of the time, i'd be willing to bet that a 4 stroke owner or DI 2 stroke owner comes out of a dealership with no less than 200-400 dollars on their bill for a small fix or general maintenance. Not to mention blown powerheads, air compressor failures ect. I get my 150 winterized since it is still under warranty at the dealer for the low price of $95.00. That includes high perf lower unit lube, greasing pivots, fogging the motor, putting stabil in the fuel and disconnecting and charging the battery, and the peace of mind knowing that it is done. Try getting that same price for a DI 2 stroke or 4 stroke of equivalent size.