which motor should I keep

[mdcwells]

I have a 1980 mercury 50hp and a 1984 johnson 50hp? The johnson seems very simple to work on and the merc is a pain. The merc just seems to be a higher quality unit. Is the 4 cylinder more desirable than 2? Is this apples to oranges so to speak? What are the advantages or disadvantages to these motors. Both seem to run well. the merc seems a little smoother, but the johnson starts easier. any suggestions would be great.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: which motor should I keep

I haven't worked on many mercs, but I have worked on a lot of johnson.

Everytime I work on a merc I think to myself;
"Who the hell thought of this?!"
"WHY! would they put that there?!"
"I'm supposed to be able to get to that bolt?"
"Really? no stainless in any of this thing?!"
"....my cell phone has better wiring than this thing"
"HOW MUCH?!" "for that new part"
"Screw this thing"

Johnson:
"ah"

Another view. Ask a question about your engine in the Johnson area, then the merc area. See which one gets answered.

Compare prices, Mercs probably going to be the lowest priced engine out there.

One good thing about merc though, exelent paint.
The Merc "Phantom Black" spray paint- wow is that stuff bullet proof.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: which motor should I keep

replacement parts are easier to get for the Johnson. it is a great dependable motor.

as far as the merc i agree with BigB9000

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: which motor should I keep

I haven't worked on many mercs, but I have worked on a lot of johnson.

Everytime I work on a merc I think to myself;
"Who the hell thought of this?!"
"WHY! would they put that there?!"
"I'm supposed to be able to get to that bolt?"
"Really? no stainless in any of this thing?!"
"....my cell phone has better wiring than this thing"
"HOW MUCH?!" "for that new part"
"Screw this thing"

Johnson:
"ah"

Another view. Ask a question about your engine in the Johnson area, then the merc area. See which one gets answered.

Compare prices, Mercs probably going to be the lowes priced engine out there.

One good thing about merc though, exelent paint.
The Merc "Phantom Black" spray paint- wow is that stuff bullet proof.

Agree completely. Nightmare to work on the merc's I find it amazing just what you have to take off to get at the most simple thing.
Just my 2 cents though.

 

[alwims]

Re: which motor should I keep

You might check, but '84 is about the time Outboard companies started hp rating at the prop and not the engine. If thats the case, the '84 will be higher hp rated than the '80.

 

[JimS123]

Re: which motor should I keep

Mercs are highly collectable and worth a lot of money in some circles. We hang them on our boathouse walls and admire them for their beauty.

Johnsons (and Evinrudes) are to be put on your transom and run and run and run.

The 2 cyl Johhnyrudes have ample power. I have seen a number of 4 cyl Mercs that self destructed because no fuel (or oil) was going to the top cylinder.

 

[dazk14]

Re: which motor should I keep

The 4 banger Merc will have more torque.

The 2 banger looper will get better mileage.

Like the straight six's, the top cylinder of the 4 banger tends to go 1st - when the water pump gets a little weak.

As you've discovered, the Johnson should start better when cold due to the choke system used. Both should start flawlessly when warm.

Make sure the compression is good on the Johnson and listen to everyone's advice here ... +6 ...Sell the Merc...

 

[steelespike]

Re: which motor should I keep

I had 2 Merc 500s a 77 and a 65.Imo I like their look,sound and performance.
They are a pain to work on require more special tools and parts are a pain.
Some components are more sofisticated but no more reliable and more difficult to woirk on. E/J motors are much simpler,a single carb,single fuel pump,easy removal of starter,
Single Carb kits cover many models.

 

[mdcwells]

Re: which motor should I keep

Kind of thought that was the case. That merc cabs was hard to pull. Think I'll stick with the johnnyrude.