Are newer 4 cycles vastly improved?

[Country Dirt Kid]

I'm looking to buy a preowned 4 cycle 25 hp tiller motor. I'm seeing some for sale that are 20 years old. Is there a certain year that serves as cut off where I don't want to buy because they weren't that good at that time? Also I noticed that the price difference between and older 2 cycle and an older 4 cycle is about 50 percent lower. Can someone offer their opinion on that? Is this savings or headache? thanks for the help

 

[JimS123]

I don't know the answer to your question. Nevertheless, since technology is ever advancing, even a 5 year old motor won't be as good as a new one.

Regardless, anything 20 years old is going to be a question. Parts availability?

Everything has a limited practical life span. Some say that a 4-stroke will last twice as long as a 2-stroke. But its all a matter of how many hours it was used.

 

[racerone]

Many 50 / 60 year old 2 strokes are running like new.------One of the key things is can you work on newer complicated motors yourself?---Or do you have to line up at the $100?hr repair shop for help.

 

[dingbat]

Machines don't age....they wear or fall into a state of disrepair from abuse or neglect. Two biggest killers of old machines.... lack of parts and the lack of a knowledge base to repair them.

Finding someone who can work on "antiques" is problematic.
My motor will be 24 yro this year. It's been a problem finding anyone to work on it going on 10 years now.

Got lucky.......the owner of a local shop has the same motor on his personal boat. Otherwise, I would be stuck trailering two hours away to a retiree working out of his garage...when he has time.

 

[racerone]

I cut grass with a 1967 model 2 stroke LAWNBOY power mower.----Runs like new with lots of power.----And I know how that machine was built.-----Know how to maintain it.

 

[Lou C]

Same thing for me with the Cobra drive. Nothing wrong with it, now 33 years old. It’s held up great in a tough salt water environment. But most places can’t or won’t work on them. I have the factory manuals, shift cable set up tools, and a LOT of spare parts (complete transom mount, spare trim rams, spare 4.3 outdrive, exhaust Y pipe, power steering set up etc).
The old style 4.3 V6 engine is simple and cheap to repair. Parts are available and simple design make these easy to keep going for a long time. Same with old school carburetors; I taught myself the ins & outs of the classic Rochester Quadrajet 4bbl. I even still have a points distributor!

 

[dingbat]

The materials, coatings, machining and fuel efficiency are far better today than they where 10 years ago.

A good friend who guides just replaced his Honda BF250 with 5,120 hours on it.