I would like to hear your thoughts on the 4stroke vs 2stroke. Thanks!
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I would like to hear your thoughts on the 4stroke vs 2stroke. Thanks!
Not a right or wrong answer, my opinion there are better choices now in each. 2 strokes that have characteristics previously thought only available in 4 strokes such as good fuel economy, lower noise level, etc and 4 strokes that will perform close to 2 strokes. Don't make a choice based only on some of the old wife's tales that are no longer relevant. There will be people that feel strongly, and deservedly so, in their particular choice because it works good for their particular boat. Deal is you may own a different boat and what they want may not suit your need. Still can't imagine how people make decisions without test driving something, blows my mind.
I'm using my first 4 stroke. It's a Yamaha 60hp, I only have about 2 1/2 hours on it right now so I can't give a good opinion yet, but it's quiet and smooth.
We have a 2008 yamaha 150 4 stroke with 210 hrs on it & have had no problems at all ...Its on a 2008 188 Champion cx..will run about 62 mph...
I have a 90 hp 4 stroke Johnson, best motor I ever owned. Great on gas and super quite. Changing the oil on it is pretty easy.
I have a SeaArk with a 2004 Suzuki 115 hp tiller steering all I have done is change oil,I will never buy another 2 stroke.Its only the matter of time that the goverment will put restrictions on 2 strokes or even do away with them.
Here we go. At this point there are 2 stroke engines that are higher CARB star rated for low emissions than some 4 strokes. Four strokes are great engines, so are the higher tech DI 2 strokes. Neither are imminent to being legislated out of existence.
Not really trying to start anything, I just have always had 2 strokes and have not been happy with them. I would like something that starts easy and does not mind trolling. 1 thing that probably help is if I had efi.
If you like to troll 4 stroke may be a better option.
I have a 90 hp Yam 4st w/ ~50 hrs on it. I have had some issues with it making oil. In the last twenty hours or so it has gotten better, still not perfect. Runs out real good, it's quiet, and is very efficient on gas. I have mine on a 1860 WE. It's propped on the stout side to get a duck hunting load up and moving, tops out at ~6250 rpm (~40 mph) but has never hit the rev limiter. No problems, other than the oil deal, and performs well. I am pleased with it so far.
Buddy has a etec 90 that is good on gas, quiet, heck of a hole shot. I think he's got his propped stout too, runs out about the same speed as mine. He has had an issue with rpm limiter during real cold weather. Blockage code sent as the oil gets real cold and thick and it cuts to limp mode. He's running the 100 oil too, which is supposed to lessen the chance of that happening.
I would probably had rather have a two stroke when rebuild time comes, but I also don't have to worry about an oiler going out. Pick your poison.
Guess i have the smallest 4-stroke thus far . A 25 ele.start yamaha . Take the good with the bad . Quiet and no mixing oil/gas for the four stroke. Heavier ,cost more is the down side of the four stroke . Forget the old four strokes that were sluggish on hole shot . The new ones will change your mind . Actually looked for a good used motor (2 stroke ) but was afraid of the ones i found . At this point i would not go back . This thing falls apart then it will be a different tune at these prices . The etec would have been a possible choice but mississippi only has two dealers and neither within driving distance for me .
talltimber,,, the making oil comment has me confussed,,, will you explain to the novice 4stroke guy... I just got a 60 efi 4/ so far so good, quiet, hole shot is not what I expected, but hey I am hardly ever in a hurry,,,
Beagle,
I'm not talltimber but here's what I reasearched on it,,,,,,
Water vapor enters the crankcase of all motors from the atmosphere, and as a by-product of combustion. In other motors, the oil gets rather hot and any water vapor that may condense will steam-off and exit the crankcase breather. 4-stroke outboard motor oil doesn't get nearly as hot, so the water just keeps on collecting.
Check oil level and if it gets overfull this is the reason.
Beagle,Quote:
Originally Posted by beagle man
In order to break in a new four stroke you must follow your manuals instructions and get the motor hot. I have heard the saying run it like you stole it more then once during break in. I am no expert but this is what I understanding from reading about four strokes making oil. Making oil is when gas is washing down the cylinders and being recaptured in the oil return and mixing with your oil, thus the level in the oil tank is actually rising because of the gas mixing in with the oil. I have not read a lot about Mercury having this problem but it seems to be a common problem with the Yamaha SHO motor. You should keep a close watch on your oil level to insure you are not having this problem.
Making oil.....is caused by carbon build up caused from doing a lot of idleing or slow running.....thats why they say to run the snot out of it everyonce in awhile. What happens is carbon builds up around the piston rings and the rings stick and let some gas bypass into the crank case or oil sump.....it gives you a higher reading on the dip stick. If you follow the manufacturers instructions and mix Ring Free at one ounce per ten gallons of gas you will never have this problem. Ring Free is made by Yamaha ......you can get it at any Yamaha dealer and most auto parts stores also have it.
So if it's prompted by carbon build up why does it occur in a new engine?
Well, I'm a one stroke kinda guy. Just ask my wife.
Uhh, I could laugh like heck at that. RoflQuote:
Originally Posted by bwillaub