Engine Weight Has Increased Dramatically...I'm Wondering Why (Merc 850)

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />I've learned from a poster here that my 1977 Merc 850 weighs 244 pounds.<br /><br />On the Mercury site...a new 75/90/115 HP (Two Stroke...) all weigh the same...375 pounds! <br /><br />The new 75/90/115 HP EFI (Four Stroke) weighs 386 pounds.<br /><br />I understand that four strokes typically weigh more than comparable 2-strokes; but why would a new 2 stroke weigh so much more than my old one? What accounts for the extra 131 pounds????<br /><br />And for that matter...the four stroke weighs only 11 pounds more than the two stroke?<br /><br />Loking forward to your answers or opinions...<br /><br />Thanks for reading; Chuck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Engine Weight Has Increased Dramatically...I'm Wondering Why (Merc 850)

Two strokes have had lots of electronics, extra pumps (fuel and in some cases air) and other things added to them in recent years. Gear cases tend to be a little heavier as well. As for two vs four stroke weight, in some horsepower categories the two engines are very close each other in weight. As the engines get larger though, the four-strokes to be a fair amount heavier. Weights may differ significantly between the same horsepowers from different manufacturers.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Engine Weight Has Increased Dramatically...I'm Wondering Why (Merc 850)

The new models you're referring to are Direct Injected 2-strokes. Space Shuttle compared to Biplane when comparing to an old conventional 2-stroke. Lots more parts!

 

[swist]

Re: Engine Weight Has Increased Dramatically...I'm Wondering Why (Merc 850)

Yep, on some models of some engines, the new DFI versions are a lot heavier than their carbed counterparts.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Engine Weight Has Increased Dramatically...I'm Wondering Why (Merc 850)

Seakaye, All of what was said is true. However, even comparing a new carb model to your 85HP, you will still notice a weight increase. Those 4/6 cylinder mercs were low displacement, low weight, compact high horsepower powerplants, and nothing today has equaled them. They of course, have their quirks. For example, those motors pull like He** from 3000-5000RPM, but have much less low end torque than more modern motors.