In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

[ironhill]

I am starting a search for a 90 hp 2 stroke - used.

I am targeting a Merc first only because that is what is rigged on my boat now and the re-rig will be easier if I stick with that make.

However in order to expand the pool of available engines I have not eliminated OMC's if I can get a decent specimen at a good price (after factoring in the additional labour for a more extensive re-rig).

I think I wil try and concentrate on pre-FICHT years. but no earlier than mid-late '80's.

In general I would like to know which periods/engines where the "better" choices within those years.

I do not want to start a flame war with VRO vs FICHT or Soros or anything else. I know that there are folks with excellent performing outboards within even the less stellar years - I am not trying to have a junk vs. great debate.​

If possible, I would just like to know in general which would be the more desirable years upon which to concentrate my search.

Thanks!

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

Wow, tough question but, you are, after all, asking this question on a Johnson/Evinrude forum so I'll tell you that all OMC motors are "good" motors. They perform well in all horsepower ranges and, they're relatively easy to work on without a shop full of "Special Tools". They maintain a reasonable re-sale value and have a dedicated following. I'll admit the earlier VRO models did have some issues briefly, but, there's a bunch of them still out there and being used every day. As with any brand of outboard motor, the "user" has the responsiblity of proper maintenance and operation practices. I have hundreds and hundreds of hours logged with Johnson/Evinrude motors and I have towed many other brands back to the docks. Ok, biased opinion here, but, you did ask!!

 

[sterndrive tech]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

omc/ johnsonevinrude, 1978 to 1995. Vro is not a bad thing, any 4wire pump has been fully ubdated to withstand 11% alcohol. and 5% methanol.. earlier models 84-85with no warning system, plus gas being changed to fuels with alcohol taking out rubber components is what gave the vro a bad name,, we replaced many powerheads in these years, but if you are scared of vro. it is easily bypassed. merc put their oil pump driver inside the block, making it riskier to disconnect, make sure you puill the driver out if you disconnect it
merc . stay away from the inline 6 unless you know someone who has worked on them and knows how to protect them,, stay away from the 140, and 150, inline 6, thanx to mechanics, and owner neglect, very few of them survived without cylinder damage, 1987-current for merc.

 

[guy74]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

omc/ johnsonevinrude, 1978 to 1995.

I would second that, have no experience with any other breeds, so I can't give any advice there.

 

[McGR]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

I wouldn't necessarily disqualify OMC motors from the "Ficht Years". While you may want to stay away from the actual Ficht motors, a 90hp carbed model was available (I believe primarily in Johnson form) up until about '06. These carbed 90hp models were also the newer, more efficient, higher performing, 60 degree loop charged design. The general consensus on these is that they are good motors, I wouldn't rule them out.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

Lots of folks like/prefer the mid50' to mid 70's models due to their super simple design, interchangeability of parts and rugged dependability not to mention the much cooler designs. Of course, lots of those motors are getting old now, but with proper maintenance (which is very easy and can be done by any one with a few basic tools) they can/have lasted for ages. Of course the parts may be a bit harder to find and shops may not want to work on them, but then again you rarely need a shop to work on them as virtually everything can be done by the home mechanic and iboats carries almost every part you could need for OMC models going all the way back to the early 50's. If not one 90hp, then perhaps twin vintage 50hp?> A recent poster in the boat restoration forum just brought home a pair of '57 50hp, I believe. Let me tell you they look SWEEET and go like heck. You'd always have a backup motor should one konk out and, you can keep an old motor running, and most importantly, you'd be the coolest guy on the water, which all that really matters any way Happy hunting!

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

2005-2006 Johnson J90, carb'ed engines.

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

From my personal experience I believe OMC / BRP is better at keeping older parts available. Last summer I needed a stator for a 1988 Merc but it was no longer available. Far as I know you can still get a lot of Johnnyrude parts from the 50s.

 

[ironhill]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

Thanks - there's alot of good information in the posts!

I did want to stay with the carb'ed models so the "FICHT" years - if carbed would fit my need.

The twin motor issue may be a problem as I want to stay around 300 lbs give or take - which is one reason why I am staying with a 2 stroke. 90hp is the hull max rating so I don't want to hang anything too monterous on the transom.

Is the "Faststrike" carb series from the late 90's decent?

Edited to say - I love older OMC's - I have a '58 18 and 10 hp's along with a '57 Evinrude 10 hp. They are fun, look great and are indestructible!

Edited to move my new, off topic question, to a new thread.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

The problem engines were the V6 looper 60 degree engines Ficht (150/175) made in the years 1999 and prior. Just before OMC was sold to Bombardier in 1999. 2000 and newer were Bombardier engines and were fine. Many of these early fichts were major headaches for OMC. Many have run for years with no problems for their owners. Most of those early Fichts were part of numerous product upgrade campains and should have serial number upgrade history with Bombardier. Their earlier 60 degree V6 Intruder type carb'd engines were fine-strong engines and reliable.

 

[yoster]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

I would second that, have no experience with any other breeds, so I can't give any advice there.

This brings up a popular piece of miss-information.

Many people mentally rule out 96-97 60-degree Evrinrudes because that's when fitch came out. When I first bought my 1997 115 (last year), many mechanics refused to work on it before even looking at it because they would say "it's one of those 60-degrees, they're terrible." Problem is, they all just assumed it was a Fitch.

The 60-degree carbed motors (what I have) are GREAT engines.

I'd have to say in all honesty, you are safe with any year carbed OMC engine. The older you go, the more gas they seemed to drink (60-degree carbed seem to be the most fuel efficient of all the carb'd versions). If you want EFI/DFI, whatever they call it, GENERALLY speaking, I'd avoid FITCH and go with an e-tec (if you're in the market for something that new...).

With Fitch, not so much the motor perhaps, but I know around here, it's almost impossible to find a mechanic that will work on them.

 

[ironhill]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

With Fitch, not so much the motor perhaps, but I know around here, it's almost impossible to find a mechanic that will work on them.

Yes - one shop that I trust for other work detests working on any OMC from this period - not just FICHTS (with which they had extremely bad personal experiences when they were released).

They have thrown the baby out with the bath-water..............

 

[yoster]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

Exactly. Now when I call a boat shop, I just tell them I have a "mid 90's carbureted 115hp engine" which eventually leads to them asking what year it is, followed by "..is that a 60 degree.." followed by "hmm, I didn't know they put carbureters on them those years." After that they'll generally be fine with working on them. I recently found a far better mechanic who knows all about these OMC's, so I take it to him now (he's cheaper too!) The "other guys" were the same type who would instantly, every time I'd talk to them, blame any problem I had on the VRO LOL

 

[ryguy1101]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

side note, the carburated cross-flow V4 engines ranging from 85-140 were the same size/weight engines with minimal carb & exhaust differences, so while you may overpower your boat a bit, you won't weigh it down with a 130 or 140 from the same generation. They were also some of the smallest and lightest V4 engines ever made, so you're not just stuck with 90HP. Should open up your search options a little bit.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

side note, the carburated cross-flow V4 engines ranging from 85-140 were the same size/weight engines with minimal carb & exhaust differences, so while you may overpower your boat a bit, you won't weigh it down with a 130 or 140 from the same generation. They were also some of the smallest and lightest V4 engines ever made, so you're not just stuck with 90HP. Should open up your search options a little bit.

You know allot of insurance companies that will insure a boat with a motor that exceeds the USCG max hp capacity by 40-50hp?

 

[yoster]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

I don't think most of us insure our 10+ year old boats..

 

[ironhill]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

The boat itself I don't insure, but I sure carry liabilty coverage and wouldn't exceed the hull rating and give the insurance company a reason to deny a claim if I was sued.

If for no other reason, given the above, I would go no higher than a 90hp.

 

[float2]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

I'm no expert but a close friend is and he swears by the older stuff (pre 1980s). We've got a late 60s Evinrude 55 that is in great shape. Just ordered a new ignition box for it which is still available! The hydro-electric shift unit may not be so easy to replace should that day ever come. If you don't mind chasing parts the old stuff will make due by doing the same job and possibly save you alot of $$$ compared to newer units.

 

[cdn-pk]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

float2 your buddy may have something, i recently went from a 77 140HP to a 86 120HP and the newer one is a PITA! to tune in compared to the ol'lady. but a down side i found with the pre 78's around here is the lower unit parts are hard to find (second hand) not many around.

but all in all i am still pretty happy with OMC's

 

[float2]

Re: In General Only - Good vs Not as Good Years of OMC?

float2 your buddy may have something, i recently went from a 77 140HP to a 86 120HP and the newer one is a PITA! to tune in compared to the ol'lady. but a down side i found with the pre 78's around here is the lower unit parts are hard to find (second hand) not many around.

but all in all i am still pretty happy with OMC's

Yes, anything older than '80 may be tough getting parts for depending on model. The other thing is if you plan on going with an older o/b especially those over 40 or 50 horsepower, chances of finding a mechanic who is willing to work on it are slim in many cases.

For example, I have checked in my area and out of the 5 reputable marinas/boat shops I called no one was willing to even touch this '68 Evinrude 55. One old timer at a dealer/repair shop called this motor junk without knowing any details about it.