A Motor's Pro's and Con's

Mac_Attack · #1 10-01-2006, 10:28 AM

It's nearing the end of another season for us Northeners and our minds have time to wander and dream, larger boats, new fishing tackle and repowering options. *I'd like to start a post where we tell the ins and outs about our older motors. *I'd like to keep it about older units. *The new ones come with warranties that give the buyer some type of peace of mind. *The older ones are available at more affordable prices but some of us don't know what to look out for. *I'll start it off with what I know about my Motor.

1990 Force 150 HP *Contrary to public opinion this motor has been good to me for the three summers I've owned it. *The 150 rating is an older rating *and would now be rated around 135 HP. *Water pump *and lower unit are the only things I've had to change. *Water pump I did my self and was not hard to do at all. Lower unit was repaired at a local shop with no problems. *Easy to work on but would not rebuild because all parts are not available any more.

macojoe · #2 10-01-2006, 10:51 AM

Well were do I begin??

My old Yamaha (1988, 175hp, Model ETXG) *was a great motor for 4 years!! *The only thing I had to do to it was a new float switch for the oil injection tank on the motor.

I wanted to run it with a 50/1 mix, But Yamaha injection was set up so it never mixed with the gas, it went right into the cylinder.

Every time I went out I started to foul plugs when mixed in this fashion.

I was told that the carb jets were not set up to except this mix and thats why it foul??

I guess if you bought a Comercial Yamaha, they came with no injection and you could mix, it was your option.

Any how I was told from the guy I bought my motor from (He was a Yamaha rebuilder) That every spring I should run a tank of gas mixed 50:1

Yes I would get double the oil cause the injection would be working also. But it would not hurt a thing and will lube things well after the long winter.

This way you can check the oil injection to make sure that it was working. They sometimes stop working over the winter for many reasons? And you could ck *With out hurting the motor!!

Well this year I did not follow his advice, and I no longer have a motor!!

When looking at the injection system after I noticed that the internal linkage just pulled out of the housing. Its not supose to do that!!

Was this the cause of the cylinder failing?? Was it just 18 years in the salt water??

I have no idea, but one thing is for sure, what ever I get next will be 50:1 mix or I will never start runing with out doing the above!

I have other mishaps (not this motor) and tips, but I will wait for now!

Airslot · #3 10-01-2006, 12:00 PM

I've got an 88 Merc 150 thats been great to me. I keep all electrical clean and tight and change the water pump every other year. She's been sweet to me and at 18 years old probably does'nt owe me a thing. The on;y problem that I have is that the steering bushings are wearing out and you have to pull the powerhead to change the associated parts. I keep her well lubed and exercise her regularly. Knock on wood....

Airslot

regidog · #4 10-01-2006, 01:20 PM

Got a 1976 mercruiser 280 hp (350 ci) with TRS outdrive in my 1976 21 ft Sutphen Superpacer. This setup has has done me justice for the last 15 years. This was the original engine when I bought the boat in 1991. Replaced raw water pump twice, rebuilt carb, and replaced exhaust manifold gaskets. It pushes the Sutphen at 60 mph. Nothing like a small block for endurance.

reelapeelin · #5 10-02-2006, 08:02 AM

In '99, when I 1st got my rig w/ the '86 Rude, compression checked out and I had carbs rebuilt...replaced fuel-pump, coil and re-glued stator...sucked gas, but overall ran GREAT...and it was PAID FOR!!...also disco'd the VRO...all good for 5 years and then: POOF!! :'( ...

Stinky_Hooker · #6 10-02-2006, 03:18 PM

Well some of yall's are older, but I still consider my 96 old so Ill post.

I have ran my 96' 120 Force for 4 years now. The only thing I have had to do to it is a stator about a year or so ago. It is dependable and solid (for now). ::)

The only things I dont like about it are the typical "Force issues"....its HP is of course lacking a little and it is a little thirsty. My best milage in perfect conditions is about 3mpg. 90% of the time conditions wont allow for that type of MPG so it only goes down from there...typically Ill get about 2.5ish. I know if I repower with an OMC V4 or even a 150 V6 I can beat that so thats my plan when all goes downhill. 8)

I have a buddy that has an 18 like mine and is running a Johhny 150 and loves it. He gets better MPG than I do and his rig tops out at around 53mph. Thats what Im talkin bout. ;D

Hammerhead · #7 10-07-2006, 08:10 PM

My '77 V-20CC has the original 165 straight 6 MC. For now It runs great. Pushes the boat 40 WOT. Runs at 25 ( ICW limit here ) real smooth. I'll admit I don't trust it 100% and so keep a new 6hp kicker on a bracket.
I'm thinkin' of repowering to a 150 with armstrong bracket...but, do like the 165 quite a bit.

macojoe · #8 10-08-2006, 01:18 AM

Hammer what you have for a boat??

I had a 165 MC when I got my cuddy and there was no way it was ever going to hit 40!

low 30'S and curz 25 or ao, I do how ever hit the 40's now with a 175 OB

Hammerhead · #9 10-08-2006, 02:19 PM

My (V-20 cuddy) has'a 19" Stainless steel prop and spotless hull.