Older engines, what to avoid

[redfury]

I'm going to be looking for an engine for my Glastron in the next couple of years once I've finished fixing it, and I can't afford a shiney new 4 stroke. There are so many older motors out there to choose from for so much less and I don't mind something that I might have to do a little work to..actually prefer something I can actually work on without having to go to outboard school, y'know?

Anyway, I'll be looking for something in the 85-115hp range ( boat takes a max of 125hp ) and I've read about some quirks on some of the older engines, such as the 4 cylinder Merc's that cut out 2 cylinders at low speed, and the problems with oil injection, etc.

So, I figured I'd start picking brains on what to look for and what to look out for when I got out searching for power.

Whaddya know?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

any of the v4 johnsons, evinrudes. 88spl,90,100,112spl,115,125.

 

[Robj]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

Think about parts availability. Definately avoid Chrysler/Force. Stick with Merc or John/Rude. Some of the earlier oil injection systems also had problems.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

on the early vro's disable the oil pump and use 50/1 premix, solves that problem. or add the Vro 2 pump.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

I've heard that the inline 6 "Tower of Power" Mercs tend to overheat and melt the top piston/cylinder.
And if you do avoid the Forces--Good -- There will be more for me to buy!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

As Tashasdaddy says the V4 Johnson / Evinrudes have a good reputation. They do around here anyway. Very reliable with the correct maintenance and parts are readily available.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

i have a 1988 88spl (90hp without VRO) thinking of selling the boat, but the motor and controls will come off first. that's how much i think of this 20 year old engine.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

I would tend to agree that any of the old OMC V4's are hard to beat. There are tons of parts available. They are very easy to work on and if you do need a mechanic, its also easy to find someone that has experience working on them. You should have absolutely no problem finding a used one at a very reasonable price.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

Red, Of you do go the Johnnyrude V-4 way, try to get the 60 degree verson. I understand it is a bit of an improvement over the 90 degree V-4. I have the Johnson 60 degree 150HP V-6. It has a ton of low-end power, in comparison to my Merc 1500 Tower.

 

[redfury]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

I had a Chrysler 115 with a blown cylinder I had picked up for $20 with the intentions of rebuilding, but after I got an offer of $250 for it as is, I let it go.

Yeah, I cried...all the way to the bank! Would have cost me that much just to have a new sleeve machined into the block, not to mention a full set of pistons and rings minimum!

I've got a source in Minnesota for hard to find parts for the more obsolete engines, so I can be less picky. However, I'm a fan of Evinrude/Johnson after owning a 7.5 'Rude that never needed anything but lower unit oil and a couple of tugs at the rope.

What's the consensus on the Suzuki/Yamaha motors? I think it'd be a little weird powering my Classic Glastron with a rice motor and they don't seem to be plentiful in the classifieds nor at the dealers I've frequented ( of course, when did Suzuki hit the US market? )

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

that boat definately needs one of the big V 4's. 75 - 115. they run on gas and oil, not rice. nice job. some of the newer johnsons are redressed suzuki.

 

[redfury]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

that boat definately needs one of the big V 4's. 75 - 115. they run on gas and oil, not rice. nice job. some of the newer johnsons are redressed suzuki.

All kidding aside ( I really don't have a problem powering my boat with anything that turns a prop well ), I was curious because I've seen Nissan motors for the first time last year and I know that they definetely make boat motors on the other side of the pond. Didn't know about the Johnson in sheeps clothing though...interesting.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Older engines, what to avoid

here's 2 links on johnson interesting
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=195328
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=195328