Carb Vs Fuel Injection

[mikebc]

I did a search and found nothing that would help, so here it goes:<br />Looking at a new boat, 21 1/2' with a 4.3 and a merc outdrive. Question is, for $1,800 you can upgrade to fuel injection from a carb model. It also gets you 30 extra horse power, and I would think a touch better fuel economy. I tend to keep my new toys for a long while and think I should spring for F/I, but I am looking for experiences, troubles, and joys in this topic. Fill me in! Thanks guys , Mike.

 

[tommays]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

the only bad thing i have heard about EFI is that thers very littel you can do on you own if it does not work<br /><br />so if your a DIY person it is and issue <br /><br />the EFI motor is going to run much better easy starting and better all around running<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[mikebc]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

I'm familiar with the difference between auto carb and efi, anything special about marine, like moisture issues or something? Do they coat the electronics?

 

[tommays]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

you probley wont even be able to buy a carb motor in a new boat in the very near future<br /><br />they do a good job with the EFI but everything has some problems no matter who makes it<br /><br />i am holding out as long as i can because i like things i can still fix but i no that my next new boat will be EFI because the EPA is not going to let it be any other way<br /><br />tommays

 

[Boatist]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

Go with the EFI it is just better all the way around. Some will say you can not work on them but I think eaiser to work on just like the new cars. You read the code it tells you what wrong and you fix it.<br /><br />Advantage is just like your fuel injected car can start the boat and back it off the trailer. You do not have to pump the gas and wait for the choke to open and engine to warm up. The EFI module adjusts the engine on the fly.<br /><br />Reallity is boat and auto operate in very simulay enviroment. In fact I think when I am following a truck on the freeway in the rain and spray from the truck ahead that the auto engine run in a weter enviroment. Some will disagree but for me it is EFI all the way.

 

[magster65]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

EFI engines run better, make more power and last longer. The bad news is that you can't really fix anything until you scan the PC. The good news is that the PC is really easy to scan. EFI itself is as reliable as any carb and the bottom line is that you can't beat technology. Go for the EFI.

 

[piratedude]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

buyer beware! efi run great when it works- but so many time when you have problems your boat is in the shop more than in the water!!! or stranded. carb is simple, always works and is easy to fix. spend the money on a 350 motor at least- the 6 will leave you wanting more real fast. and besides- resale is always higher with a good strong motor in your boat!

 

[mikebc]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

Thanks Guys! I think I'll shoot for the EFI, it takes the 4.3 from 190 HP to 220HP, and I imagine the torque is also much better. poi9jkl, I'd up for the 5.7, but the 4.3 is as big as they offer, but it should do well in a 19 1/2 foot open bow. I know it's better than my 3.0 in my 18 1/2 footer! Test results run it at 55mph radar with a full tank and 400lbs load, 21 alum prop on it. Thanks guys, Mike.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Carb Vs Fuel Injection

EFI is the only way to fly. the PC never tells me whats broke just what aint. usually its water or a mechanical failure of the system. its actually rare to have an electrical failure with EFI. usually its a mechanical failure of the system due to moisture or varnish within the system. most times EFI is faster and easier to trouble shoot with minimal tooling and a working knowledge of how the system works.