Bad years at OMC

[jim dozier]

I may be in the market soon for a used 115hp outboard. I have read at various times that there were a few years in the late 90's to early 2000s that OMC had some problems with quality control. For cost sake I will probably be confined to the 90's. What years do I want to avoid if I'm looking at an Evinrude or a Johnson 115 (not including Etec).

 

[JB]

Re: Bad years at OMC

I would look for a 1996 or earlier, Jim.<br /><br />The carbed engines weren't bad designs during the period of "pink slip fever" at OMC, but the assembly and QC were very inconsistent. Any of them that have been in use since new have probably been sorted out and are as good as the earlier production, but why take chances?<br /><br />Any Bombardier-built engines are very good. I think that started with the 2002 models.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[nofishjoe]

Re: Bad years at OMC

ahhhhhhh But I had a 92 johnson that just scored the sides of the cylinder... The mechanic said it would not be worth to fix cuz 90 to 96 were terrbile years for them. The cost to fix them were outrageous too.

 

[bonitoman]

Re: Bad years at OMC

I am in orlando and have an 86 110 johnson with 300 hours. excellent motor. email me if interested jsapo@cfl.rr.com