Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

[superbenk]

We're hunting for boats in the 2000-newer era. Most of the boats we look at are carburated & I'm familiar with working on carburated motors (somewhat), but there's a few that are fuel-injected. Fuel-injected motors tend to provide a bit more horsepower (10-15%) and I'm sure they're easier to start, etc. but I'm concerned about my ability to work on them if necessary. I don't want to become a slave to a boat mechanic as I've done all the work myself so far on my current boat & it's saved me tons of money.

Other than HP & ease of starting, what are some other pros & cons to fuel-injected motors vs. carburated motors?

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I've owned both. Hands down the EFI versions are more user freindly.

The EFI's really don't require much maintenance except making sure you have good fuel filters and connections are kept clean and tight.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

Better fuel economy also with EFI over carbs ... so the list so far:

1. Ease of use/maintenance
2. More reliable
3. Easier starting
4. Better fuel economy
5. More power

That said, IF the EFI breaks down AND it is more than a filter, you are probably looking at more $ to repair, unless you are talking replacing the entire carb.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

MPI may be more efficient and have more power that a carb but TBI will be almost exactly the same as a carb.

I know the OP said MPI but later posts were describing generic EFI.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

One downside is the need for an ECM if you go fuel injected.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I'm an advocate of carbs....clean, fresh, stabilized fuel....drain each carb for lengthy shut-downs...and no problems! Fuel injection with multiple high pressure pumps$$$$, plugged injector screens, plugged injectors, etc.,etc......$$$$$. I'll keep my carbs, thank you!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I like my carb too.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I guess some of you guys would still prefer to have carbs on your cars too. No thanks, everything I've ever had with a carb has been temperamental. I'll take my MPI for all the reasons listed by aspeck.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

Carburetors were replaced for a reason.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I guess some of you guys would still prefer to have carbs on your cars too.

And don't forget about the ignition points..... a lot cheaper to fix than those expense electronic ignition modules. :laugh:

 

[pckeen]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

If ever given the choice - go with EFI. More reliable, more user friendly, idle better, quieter, more fuel efficient, less inclined to break down, you don't need to use fresh, clean, stabilized fuel, and drain the fuel for lengthy shutdowns (though those are good things to do). Manufacturers have stopped (largely) using carburettors for good reason.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I guess some of you guys would still prefer to have carbs on your cars too. No thanks, everything I've ever had with a carb has been temperamental. I'll take my MPI for all the reasons listed by aspeck.

Seems the automotive fuel injection systems have most of the kinks ironed out....but the outboard motor fuel injection plus the marine environment seems to make them more troublesome....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

And don't forget about the ignition points..... a lot cheaper to fix than those expense electronic ignition modules. :laugh:

If my choice was Pertronix or points, I would go with points.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

I have had 2 MPI motors. No issues. The ECU costs about $500 to replace if you have to but I never had to replace one. Just looked at it to see how much it was in case I had an issue with mine.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

If ever given the choice - go with EFI. More reliable, more user friendly, idle better, quieter, more fuel efficient, less inclined to break down, you don't need to use fresh, clean, stabilized fuel

Seriously? Never heard of clogged injectors?

 

[bezerk1]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

Go for EFI. never look back. In this day and age there is no reason to run a carburetor unless you like to tinker with engines and make tons of horsepower. That being said you can make tons of HP with fuel injection, it just costs way more.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

Carburetors were replaced for a reason.

True...but mostly because of the EPA and not for the reasons you think they were.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

True...but mostly because of the EPA and not for the reasons you think they were.

So are you going to tell me what I think???? I can't wait to hear it!

 

[geneseo1911]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

As I see it, the two biggest benefits of EFI are turn key starts and idle quality. Everything else, the carb can do equally well. The engine dying as I idle up to a crowded dock in a shallow rocky cove, coupled with my wife's difficulty starting the engine (in her defense, she's young enough to have never driven a carbureted car), are reasons I'm REAL close to pulling the trigger on an Affordable Fuel Injection system for it.

It would also give me a computer controlled distributor so I don't have to screw with points and rusted flyweights anymore. Better living through science. If I were buying today, I would add the cost of a EFI system to the price of any carbureted boat I looked at.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Pros/cons MPI vs. carb?

My preference is MPI. Better throttle reponse, better fuel consumption, easier start, better idle ....... when it breaks it is harder to repair but it doesn't break as often. A 57 chevy is MUCH easier to work on but a 2013 chevy is a much better piece of equipment.