Engine Choice Help Please. 86 EvinRude 50 HP VS 73 Johnson 50 HP?

[JesterGrin_1]

If both are pretty equal in price and condition which one would you go with?

I ask what some may consider a Dumb question but mainly due to the Evinrude that uses the VRO where as the Older Johnson does not. Sorry I do not know much more than this. But I am looking at these two engines for purchase and can get only one.

Thank You for any Help on this conundrum .

 

[glenn property of pam]

I would ask if I could do a compression and spark test (worth the 30-40 bucks on tools as you will need them one day)

I would then consider the one that's healthy. If both test good then get the newer one and ask how to disable the vro like most people have.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

I think I am still leaning towards the older one. Mainly due to the VRO. As in from what I have read and gather you can disable the oil side of the VRO and simply use it as a pump but if it should go out and can not be rebuilt the replacement is expensive next to the cost of the 73 Johnson. But I could be all wet?

I hope others chime in with there opinion as I sure could use it since I am a Complete Newbie. Thank You.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Does the 86 have power trim? If it does, it's a huge plus and would certainly tilt my decision to the 86. The 86 will be quieter. The VRO is not an inherent problem and should be considered another plus.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Both have Power Tilt and Trim.

 

[emdsapmgr]

The 73 engine is hp rated at the crank. The 86 model is hp rated at the prop, so it's got about 10-12% more inherent hp.

 

[JesterGrin_1]

Well Today I went to go look at the 73 Johnson but after talking with him on the phone about half way there I turned back for home as the person was a Flake. The trip would have been about 800 Mi round trip. But on the way there he decided to pull the oh I have someone else interested in it that will pay me this. So in other words he tried to up me after the agreement was made. And then there were supposedly more problems with the motor. Not positive if they were true or not but after having been messed with I just had a bad feeling and called it quits.

So I am pretty positive that I will be picking up the 86 Evinrude if he gets the Title straight. I will find out more on that tomorrow. The Good part is that it does not have the VRO.