2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

[Wildlifedesigner]

What is supposed to be better and why? the 2 cyl or 4 cyl merc

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

Both the same HP? I doubt very seriously there are any 4 cylinder 40hp's. If there are 4 cylinder would be better, more balanced and more torque.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

Well, I don't disagree with ZmOz, but there is another side of the coin.<br /><br />A twin would probably be more reliable (only 2 carbs, ignition, etc.) and probably lighter weight and more economical.<br /><br />My choice would depend on what boat I was going to power and how much weight it could handle on the transom.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

Years back Merc renumbered their models. Suppose it happened when hp rating changed and their ever so popular 4-cyl 50hp received a new model number. Those days (like 1977) a 40hp was called 402 and was a 2-cyl 546 ccm (33 cui). whilst the 50hp was a 718 ccm (44 cui). Weight was approx 25 lbs higher for the 50.<br /><br />The same old 50 block is now the 40 - still 4-cyl and same displacement.<br /><br />The new 50 is a 3-cyl 849 ccm. (51 cui)<br /><br />Derive from this, that a 4-cyl 40 will deliver better torque, smoother run and less vibration.<br /><br />The 2-cyl will have fewer moving parts (maybe better use of fuel), less parts to service and be lighter.<br /><br />All else equal I'd take the 4-cyl. Mostly because I used to have a 50 and loved it.

 

[Wildlifedesigner]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

ZmOz look at ebay item 2473539460 . It is a 1991 4 cyl 40 HP merc.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

Hmmm....well I guess there are 4 cylinder 40's. Seems a little excessive to me. But yeah, I would take the 4 cylinder any day. More torque, better hole shot. It probably wouldn't weigh very much more, although it will use slightly more gas.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: 2 cyl vs 4 cyl - 40 Hp

1989-91 were 4's and all of the 45hps were 4's<br />Debatable which is better, but less cylinders means less carbies... less chance of a lean condition in pairs of cylinders me thinks...