Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

[gvnitup]

I have always been a merc, johnson.. I am looking at a pontoon boat that has a 90 hp. nissan tldi NSD90B. It is supposedly a 2005 model, it has very low hours. Also has a four blade prop, I can pick the boat and engine up for 3500 usd. I really like the way the engine looks and sounds. Other than the present owner keeps jumping it off. (Seems like that would be a mistake )
I am scared to purchase an engine I know nothing about. Can anyone help ease my fear? Thank you!!

 

[pvanv]

Re: Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

They're as good as anything, and better than most. Quiet, efficient. The tach for the TLDI also doubles an a readout for the ECU, in case any problems are detected. That's a feature that many others just don't have.

The usual OB things should be verified of course: water pump, clean fuel, regular LU lube changes, etc.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

They are sensitive to voltage fluctuations caused by:

Too small of a battery or an old battery that is no longer within spec.

Bad battery cables.....Bad is a relative term. In general, you need to change out your battery cables if they become cut as resistance will build up in the cable causing a voltage loss.

On the good side, they digest oil that an etec would choke on and do not require a trip to the dealer to diagnose a problem as the tachometer doubles as a troubleshooting readout for any problems.

 

[gvnitup]

Re: Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

Well, i bought it.. I went and looked at it today. The pontoon needs a little work (cosmetics) but the engine looked brand new, and purred like a kitten. Ironic my other boat just needed an engine, But this one has a sweet looking engine. I know this may sound idiotic, But should I ever worry about the oiling system failing?? The belt looks as new as the rest of the engine does. The lights on the tach (oil and temp) come on then go off as I assume they are supposed to. I am ordering a manual now, Again the engine seems to run great. But any info on proper care, or anything I should keep my eye open for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for both of your replys..

 

[ziemann]

Re: Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

There's not alot of maintenance to do with it besides what you are already used to. They are about the same as any other outboard. Impeller is about the same as any other outboard service interval. There is a belt you will see under the cowl that drives the pump and that may possibly need to be replaced at some point. Plugs seem to last a long time- altho they are expensive, I founds some on ebay at a bargain price.

Like Elvin said, the only thing to watch for is to make sure youhave a GOOD battery....they are definately voltage sensitive....

Good luck!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Thinking of buying a 90 tldi any advice? Are they good engines?

Oil system failures are unheard of......Though, like "the monster under the bed" fear of children, there is always the possibility somewhere, someday.