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Opinions please - 4 stroke v 2 stroke.

F

fishingfever

New member
Hi, ended up with a 5m runabout and looking to put a new 60/70hp etec (2 stroke). But after speaking with a few friends, they are trying to convince me to get a 4 stroke. This new motor will see me out for the rest of my days... I had an old 40hp merc that blew a whole in the block so any upgrade is going to be great for me, but maintenance and performance wise, whats the best bet, 2 or 4?

Cheers all...
Bill.
 
If you want more maint., more moving parts to break get a four stroke. Best bet is to get an E-Tec. But what would I know, I've only worked on outboards for 45 years and still certified.
 
Are marine engines that much different from motorcycle engines? I raced a 2-stroke for a couple of years and it was a constant maintenance and repair headache. I now race a fuel injected 4-stroke and only ride. No more track side repairs, no more crank swaps after two weekends, no more holed piston if the ambient temp drops 10deg. Just drain the oil and refill after a couple of weekends. I rarely have to touch the bike between race weekends. My redline is 12K and once on the track it rarely gets below 9K (750cc). The bike has about 10K miles on it now and the motor has never been into. Most street 2-strokes are on a second or third set of pistons by then even without track time. I've had 2 outboard motors, both 2 strokers, and nothing but trouble. A friend has a 4-stroke that burns through a tank of gas in a year and never had any problems. I also know racers that love 2- strokers so it could just be me.
 
By the way, the bike in my avatar is a 1989 FZR 400 that redlines at 13K and stays above 10K while in the track. Two seasons of racing with some street time, no engine work. Won the regional championship in 2005 with it. Sold it in 2007 still running strong. The only time I lifted the tank was to change spark plugs once a season and rejetted the carbs once for a new pipe. How much reliability should be expected from a marine engine?
 
This has a lot to do with how much you know about engines and how much of the work you can do yourself.---------------If all one knows is " turn the key and it has to run " then a 2 stroke is OK.--------------------A 4 stroke needs regular maintenance and if you have to rely on the dealer it gets spendy !!--------The 4 strokes do run very nice , but I believe that every mile costs more money in the long run.---------No different that buying new expensive / top of the line cars.----If you have the money 4 strokes are not a problem.
 
What kind of maintenance should be done on a 4-stroke outboard? I'm thinking of getting one on my next boat. I do my own work and it would be helpful to know what to expect. Any thing more than an oil change would be a surprise. Thanks.
 
I think it's all a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't even consider a four stroke for any of my boats. I am two stroke all the way but I also do all of my own work and I would much rather work on a two stroke any day. I wouldn't say one is better over the other although some will yet both will get you out in the water. I think you have to look at how you will use your boat and the maintenance factor. Who will work on it. How much do you want to spend on the maintenance? Do you want to mix gas and oil or have it in it's own container and do it on it's own. Do you mind smelling the smoke of a two stroke or do you want the quietness and cleanliness of a four stroke? So you just have to think it over and see what is best for you. A four stroke is an excellent motor for trolling so will you do a lot of trolling? Two strokes are power power power with every inch of the throttle and can be noisy. Anyway you get the picture. I'm sure you will think it over and weigh out the pro's and con;s and make a good choice...

Nick
 
I have several 4 stroke motors that were purchased to repair ------------2003 -140 HP Suzuki, 2000- 130 HP Honda , 1998 90 HP Honda , --2000- 50 HP Suzuki ( 2 of them ), 2002 50 HP Johnson ( Suzuki built )---------It seems there are too many parts and pieces on these motors and dealers at $100 /hr do not want to repair them.--------------------So 4 strokes run really nice when they run.If you want to skimp on maintenance they can cost big time.If you have a tool box and a manual and can do the work yourself then great.----------------2 strokes run with clean oil ALL THE TIME and will last a long long time , with minimal maintenance.-------They just need a new impeller every 2 years and gear oil checked regularly.--Yes 2 strokes burn more fuel, but if you can not maintain the 4 stroke yourself then the money saved will be spent on maintenance.-------------So the situation is different for everyone / every boat.------Try checking the oil on a pontoon boat equipped with a 4 stroke ( in the water ) -----------Perhaps call a local dealer and ask what it would cost to change oil / change timing belt / check valve clearance on a 100 HP 4 stroke.
 
How much weight can you afford for a certain power? I think that's the crucial thing between the two. The decision is easy for small inflatible boats. Direct injecting 2-strokes can be as clean, quiet, and fuel efficient as 4-strokes.
 
Thanks for the replies. I've been thinking of replacing the 9.9 on my 16' Alumaweld, and often wondered about this issue. Heading back upstream, that 9.9 couldn't pull the hat off your head, so I'd like a little more power, less weight, and certainly ease of maintenance.

thanks again,

Bob
 
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