Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

[MikeSchaper]

Hi guys. Looking for advice again in my great American boat search. I am currently looking at a 1986 Stratos Fish and ski with a 140HP Evinrude. Just wondering if there are any major issues with this motor. Here are a couple pictures of the boat.

Thanks much in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

Do the usual, compression test, lower gear oil condition, check spark plugs
maintainance records etc.
Test run it, preferably on the water.
When was the water pump done?
when were the carbs rebuilt?
With the engine tilted uo , put your foot on the skeg and apply your weight, any transom movement or flex would chop $1K off for me.
Poke around the boat, stringers and transom from under the deck if you can get in there.

 

[MikeSchaper]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

The boat is going for $3000. I am meeting the owners at the service shop where it has been serviced in order to have it de winterized and test run at the facility. They are also gonna go through the carbs today.

Any advise on the quality of this outboard? Not real familiar with the Evinrudes. I am also looking at a 1991 Ebbtide Dyna- Trak today also that is going for 3500. Has a 15o Johnson Fast Strike. The Stratos defiantly looks to be in better shape.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

the 140 is a great motor, the one thing i would be sure of, is it has an OMS oil mixing system upgrade, or convert it to Premix fuel. looks like it has the VRO2 mixing system, which can be problematic. Stratos definitely a better looking boat

 

[jonesg]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

I decided on a johnson outboard by reading posts here, the longevity of the engines is well known with proper care. I have a 1994 150.
Mine will idle all day long.,
the first time I opened it up I almost went out the back of the boat.

They're fairly simple to work on if you have the factory manual, the level of expert help here is great.
I also have a 1959 10hp, they tend to last.

 

[MikeSchaper]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

Awesome guys thank you. I ended up buying the stratos last night. Beautiful boat. Pretty much as clean as the day it left the dealer. I couldnt believe an 86 would ever be this clean. We went to the dealer and had it all checked out there. The guy made the appointment and payed for it too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

welcome to the boating world. get the service manual, so you can understand the motor, even if you do not service it your self. also if you have not, take a safe boating course, and get another family member to do it also. you never know when you need a qualified co pilot.

 

[MikeSchaper]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

This isnt my first boat. I have owned several before. This is the first one with a larger motor as all my others where fishing boats. Nce to have something with the balls to get somewhere FAST!!!!! I am pretty handy with all motors just wasnt framiliar with the Evinrude V4. Thanks for the advice though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is A 1986 Rvinrude V4 140 A Good Outboard?

you will be now, get the manual, and spruce up on it. they are extremely reliable. just good sensible proper maintenance.