Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

[rorussel]

I just bought a skiff with a 2000 Merc. 4 stroke 40 h.p. with electric start and trim. I have no idea where to look for info on this motor i.e. reviews / problems etc. Is there a site that I should checkout specific to Merc. motors?<br />This is my first boat and I have heard much praise for Yamaha and Honda 4 strokes but nothing about Mercs. What is their reputation?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Bob Russell

 

[DJ]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

You do not say what hp. it is, but the Merc. four strokes have been fine. Most of them are built by Yamaha using exclusive Merc. parts in certain areas.<br /><br />The outboard world is very complex. There are many makers using each others parts.<br /><br />You should not have any problems, with good maintenance practices, of course.

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

DJ. He does say what hp his motor is. It's a 40hp.<br /><br />Craig

 

[rorussel]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

I actually added the HP after the first reply when he pointed out that I left it out. Sorry if I confused anyone.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

Not bad, 1st post on the board and you set poor DJ up for a beating. <br /><br />It took some of us lots of practice. <br /><br />If your thinking Merc 4-stroke check out the new blockbuster they are releasing next week.<br /><br />-W

 

[kcole683]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

The only person that I know personally that has had a 4 stroke merc. had problems. I dont know the particulars of the problems but his 40 HP 2002 merc. 4 Stroke was in the shop more than it was on the lake. After many problems in the first season the dealer and Mercury worked with him and bought back the motor for the original retail price. The buy back was in 2003 the guy bought a new Mercury 2 stroke 50 HP I think,the 2 stroke was faster due to higher HP and lower weight and all is good now.<br /><br />This may be an isolated instance so don't take it to seriously. I have only talked to one guy that had one of these mators so I can't give any real conclusions. After talking to him I am very leery of buying one though. I will stick to the 2 strokes they are lighter anyway .

 

[Bert1]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

I have been running a Merc 50hp 4 stroke (on a 17ft bowrider) for the past 3 years and that engine is sweet. It is quiet and fuel efficient. The only issue has been a hard to find oil leak that has developped around the base engine gasket. I am told by the dealer that this would be fixed this spring under warranty. Hope this help in your choice!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Merc 4stroke: good or bad?

biggest problems with them IMO is that most marine<br />techs don't have a lot of experience working on<br />these. I think it's a v.good motor.<br />do yourself a favor and buy yourself the Merc<br />service manual and learn as much about it as u<br />can.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.