'96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

[chillybilly]

I have to buy a motor for my boat. I've narrowed it down to a '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson. The min difference seems to be the 88hp needs to have the oil mixed whle the 90hp has injection. The '88 is also $850 cheaper. <br /><br />Any comments?<br /><br />Bill

 

[Down South]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Hello Chillybilly,<br />you are right in the differences of the two motors. The 90 has a VRO and the 88 has to have the oil mixed manually. <br />If the 88hp is in as good a shape as the 90hp then I'd go with the cheaper. <br />Another thought, a lot of boaters disconnect the VROs and mix their oil manually anyway.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Does the 90 have Tilt and Trim?<br /><br />Rick

 

[chillybilly]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Yes, the 90 does have tilt and trim. Why do other people disconnect the vro?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

I would spend the extra $800.00, if for no other reason, the Tilt and Trim! Also a newer Motor! You will wish you had the T&T after a while! Many fear the VRO is going to stop working, and will blow the Motor. The fact is that it's a reliable system that has very few problems if you maintain it, but some people are more comfortable knowing that they are sure that they are running the proper mixture by mixing their oil and fuel.It's kind of a personal decision! I have done away with my VRO on my 1991 70HP Evinrude that was rebuilt last year, just because it gives me peace of mind, knowing that it's one thing I don't have to worry about. I know I will ALWAYS have the proper mixture! Just my opinion!<br /><br />Rick

 

[Down South]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

I was under the impression that both motors had the T&T. I have the same year 88 and it came with it. <br /><br />Anyway both are great motors but if one has T&T and the other doesn't then I'd get the one with...<br /><br />Good luck

 

[JB]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Howdy, CB.<br /><br />The 88 specials were 90s without VRO or T&T.<br /><br />T&T is awful nice to: A. Trim your engine for optimum performance and minimum fuel use. B. raise the engine for loading and to avoid contact with the bottom.<br /><br />'98 was not a great year for QC at OMC. I would want a service history on the 90.<br /><br />I think I would spend the money to get the T&T, then disconnect the VRO.

 

[DJ]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

chillbilly,<br /><br />Most of the "88" s came with TNT. Either engine is a good one.<br /><br />I like the convenience of oil injection. I've owned several and never had a moments trouble with any of them. Probably because I'm weird, I maintained them.<br /><br />Use the search feature on this board and look up "VRO". You'll have plenty of reading.

 

[chillybilly]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Hi all,<br />Both motors do have TnT, the 90 has a 90 degree V-4 while the 88hp has the proven 60 degree block. Other than that the only difference is the VRO. I'm really leaning toward the 88hp because of the block design.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Chillybilly,<br /><br />I would go for the "88" knowing it has TNT. Mix your own and go!!<br /><br />Rick

 

[chillybilly]

Re: '96 88hp or '98 90hp Johnson

Thanks everybody for the comments. I bought the 88hp because without the VRO it's simpler to maintain and for the "proven" block design. <br /><br />Looking forward to lots of boating fun here in MN,<br /><br />Bill