Number of Cylinders?

[steam_mill]

Gents:<br /><br />It seems to me that outboard technology is anti-evolutionary.<br /><br />I have an '03 90 HP Classic. Love the engine.<br /><br />I was looking at water pump kits and it came to my attention that there were 6 cylinder 90 HP Mercs in the past.<br /><br />Wouldn't 6 cylinders be smoother and better.<br /><br />It seems that we are getting less cylinders in our motors?<br /><br />Any ideas why?<br /><br />Joe

 

[kev_79]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

Better technology lets us get more power from less displacement, thus less cylinders.<br /><br />6 cylinders may be smoother, but it would take more fuel to idle or even run at any given rpm. A 90 hp 6 cylinder now would be a major waste of materials and would likely be much more expensive b/c of all the extra aluminum.<br /><br />Thus the evolutionary trend is less cylinders...and lately a valve train!<br /><br />k

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

4 cylinders are a compromise. Same reason most Honda's and other cheap cars come with a 4 and not a 6.

 

[btatum]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

i'm sure the boat motor industry is the same as the automotive industry (which i have been in for the last 24 yrs). with the better understanding of fuels, metals, clearances, oils, timing control, the induction of fuel injection, it like comparing a '67 camaro to a '04 camaro - no way to compare. in '67 it took 375hp to get the same results that can be gotten today from a fuel injected engine with only 275hp. with the better understanding of engines also comes the better understanding of gearing and as with boat motors props.even if your motor has carburator it is alot more efficient at controling fuel miliage and power. in other words compairing engines of yesteryear (sometimes even the year previous) it like comparing apples to oranges, there not the same.

 

[btatum]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

oops sorry, i meant to say comparing a '67 to a '02

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

The newer 90 has bigger pistons of a different design. It idles rough! But it has good power. I haven't run them side by side on similar boats, but I'd bet it has a better hole shot and top end than the old gas guzzler 6. For idling, the older motor is Far superior. Rough idling is the #1 complaint against the newer version by a bunch. I expect they'll be out of the lineup within the next few years. Merc is aiming at all 4-strokes.

 

[02'Crownline]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

so is 4 cylinders better to have then 3 or 2?

 

[real550A]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

One large point being missed is the "COOL FACTOR".<br />Not many outboards on the market today are as impressive looking, or sounding as the old "Super Marathon" sixes with three carburetors.<br />Worth every penny! <br />If it's fuel mileage you want, don't buy an outboard, IMO.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

The inline sixes were extremely potent regarding low end torque. A six cylinder has some signifigant advantages over a four when it comes to exhaust tuning.<br />As for the comment

If it's fuel mileage you want, don't buy an outboard, IMO

, The new direct injection(FICHT & OPTIMax) outboards can beat inboards on fuel ecomomy.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

Definately a coolness factor with six lungs under the cowl, especially inline sixes. Yes, it is unnecessary, you can get the same or better performance from four, but something about that tall cowl. Plus, the old inlines were not as heavy as the newer smaller outboard. My 69 125 horse weighs 270 lbs, show me any newer 2 stroke 125 horse that weighs that little. Don't think there are any around...

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

Originally posted by 02'Crownline:<br /> so is 4 cylinders better to have then 3 or 2?

Yes. The more cylinders, the more balanced and smooth it is going to be. The inline 6's are smothest kind of outboard you can get...the only thing better balanced than an I6 is a V12. That said, people want more cylinders for bragging rights. My truck has a slightly modified 220hp Inline 6, which is as much HP as many V8s with better gas mileage. I would still rather have a V8.

 

[02'Crownline]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

haha thanks ZmOz yea thats very true i often brag to my friends about Having a stock V8 with 285 h.p while they have theyre V6's with about 200...

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

i have a 1976 inline 6 merc 115. it idles WAY smoother than my v4 EVE, EVER did! bar none! and talk about "get up and go" they just dont make em like they used to. <br /><br />efficient?!? HECK NO! i get almost 3 MPG, although with a lil tuning may be able to get 4 mpg. that is bad. ive seen guys with a newer FICHT or OPTI getting like 6 - 7 mpg all day long. but i wouldnt trade my 6 lung, 3 carb, super, duper , tower of power for anything! i love it!<br /><br />nobody cares anymore about making a motor " cool " just to shut up the competition. <br /><br />the new suzukis/jhnson 4 stroke v6's are downright MEAN looking !!!! although i dont think a 4 stroke could EVER sound as mean as a huge tower of poer! ahahahahaaaa( my evil laugh)<br /><br />m ikey

 

[ronmold]

Re: Number of Cylinders?

Many years ago 'Rude built a V8 2 stroke to try and get the "cool factor" and 1-up (or 2-up?) the mighty Black Max which was so popular at the time. Maybe they'ed run a couple hundred hours or so before shaking themselves apart! The old I6 tower must be one of the best known "icons" in boating. Tall, proud and American!