90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

pouli101

Cadet
Joined
Apr 20, 2002
Messages
6
I have a 1996 Evinrude 115, this motor is a 90 degree V-4. The new Evinrude and Johnson 115's seem to be all 60 degree motors. What are the advantages of the 60 degree motor. I saw someone say on a post to make sure you get a 60 degree and was wondering why.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

Hi, Pouli.<br /><br />The 60* engines are loop charged, more efficient and more compact.<br /><br />I don't think there is any difference in reliability or "real" vs. rated hp. The 90* cross flow engines are legendary for reliability and thirst.<br /><br />There may be other important differences. I'm sure someone will point them out. :)
 

Beernutz

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Aug 14, 2001
Messages
287
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

Lotsa differences. 60 has optical ignition, enclosed flywheel, carburetors on the side of the block for a more direct flow path, closed deck block, one-piece heads with o-rings instead of gaskets, easily accessible thermostats, easy-to-remove intake silencer. These are just a few of the things that come to mind. I recall that the lower unit was redesigned and strengthened, also. Water pickup was lowered, too. Nearly every maintenance function was simplified, including engine flushing. It tilts clear of the water, too.<br /><br />The 60 is a whole new motor design, from the ground up. It's a whole lot quieter, and I swear that my 60 degree '96 Johnson 115 had 20% more power than my old '88 90 degree 115. It was much more fuel efficient, as well.<br /><br />You'll want to check some of the older posts on this board regarding the cooling system air bubble that wipes out rectifier/regulators. It was corrected on later blocks. For the later configuration, look for a black hose running from the top of the block behind the flywheel on the starboard rear area. The hose terminates at the starboard rear bottom of the block.
 

G DANE

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Nov 24, 2001
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2,476
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

When did they start making 60 deg - i am out looking for a 90 or 115 HP.
 

pouli101

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Joined
Apr 20, 2002
Messages
6
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

Beernutz thanks for the info, but one more question. My Evinrude 115 is a 96 and is a 90 degree but your Johnson was a 96 that was a 60 degree, that year did they have a 90 and 60 degree V-4?
 

Beernutz

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Aug 14, 2001
Messages
287
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

The Johnson Ocean Runners and Evinrude Ocean Pros were 60 degree v-4's.
 

Beernutz

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Aug 14, 2001
Messages
287
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

I think the 90 and 115 came out in 1995.
 

rbruce63

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Aug 30, 2003
Messages
212
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

I am considering to buy a 1996 Seabird Spirit 170 with a Evinrude V4 on it. How can I tell if the motor is a 90 or a 60 degree and will it have the fancier ignition system? How does this motor compare with a 115 Mercury 1997 in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance? Is the Evinrude thirstier than the 115? What kind of consumption can I expect from this motor, does the 10% horsepower per hour rule prevail? Does the VRO works well is it a fail safe system?
 

rbruce63

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Aug 30, 2003
Messages
212
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

It comes with an Evinrude 90 HP on it. I believe from the size of the powerhead that it is a V4. I only have pictures from the internet and will he hiring a marine surveyor to check the boat and motor. Any comments are welcome!
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
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Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

The 60 degree V6 came out in 1991 and the V4 in '95. A 90 degree V4 has the trim buttons on the stb. side of the motor pan, and a 60 degree has them on the port.
 

rbruce63

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Aug 30, 2003
Messages
212
Re: 90 Degree or 60 Degree V-4

Seahorse:<br /><br />Can't tell from the pictures that I have. Its is a dark blue motor and the cables get in from the port side. Is blue the Evinrude code for fresh water motor?
 
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