MERC 200EFI

Lorne

Recruit
Joined
Jan 10, 2002
Messages
4
Hello out there.<br />My wife and I are Canadian independant dive instructors living in Belize and are looking for engines that are strong and reliable. Can stand up to heavy use.<br /><br />I am looking at powering a 261 Mako with <br /><br />Merc 200 efi engines.<br />Reason for that selection is they seem to be more narrow than others. Also less weight than others.<br /><br />Questions ;<br /><br />-I notice the same block is used for the 150. Does this mean the the 200 is stressing this block to the limit .. reducing life perhaps? Does the light weight mean that is is light weight engine unsuitable for heavy use.<br />-What is the life expentance of the efi 2 strokes in terms of hours.<br />-Is this a reliable engine that can stand up to daily use. <br />- has the issue if this fragile plastic gear that runs the oil injection been resolved in the new models.<br />-<br />We have a choice between these and Yamahas. Not sure which way to go. I want efi. What would be the comparable Yamaha and would it be more ' up to the task'<br /><br />We also considered the 130 hondas but they seem a little low in power for this boat.<br /><br />I know I am asking a lot .. any comments would be appreciated.<br /><br />Can these engines be worked on by a very good mechanic, who at present is not familiar with fuel injected 2 strokes, if he had all the manuals. Service can be hard to get here.
 

cochran351

Cadet
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
8
Re: MERC 200EFI

Merc 200 efi are tough, strong engines. Alot of guys here in the midwest run them on their big bass rigs and even though I am not a huge fan of Merc this is proibably one of their better v6 engines.....however EFI is much more complicated than a carb engine and<br />doesn't get any better mileage(a common misconception). Most of the guys that I know buy them for their quick starting esp. in colder weather...but that should'nt be the case in belize. Stay away from DFI etc. If you are buying new you may have to buy an efi<br />When I bought my new Yamaha last year the carb models were available in 150 only.Either way alot is going to depend on how good your local mechanic is. If you do go EFI invest in a very good fuel filter and<br />make sure your gas comes from a "clean" source. Good luck. <br />"Chillin here in the Ozarks" :cool:
 

Lorne

Recruit
Joined
Jan 10, 2002
Messages
4
Re: MERC 200EFI

Thank you very much for this reply. I have decided to buy these engines and have received nothing but positve response from people that I have asked about them. They are also cheaper than the Yamaha's.
 

Mike M2

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2001
Messages
98
Re: MERC 200EFI

Is Merc still using a plastic gear to drive the oil pump in the 200's? they did in the mid 90 models, and didn't hold up well. Sure hope they changed that design.
 

Orbit Express

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
30
Re: MERC 200EFI

From my experience, you are headed into a third world of hurt. Those Mercs will crap out out on you when you least expect it.
A little bit of change up front (Yamaha) would keep that from happening. Keep a
sat phone handy. Good luck.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,930
Re: MERC 200EFI

Orbit you back again with you BS???? Lorne these are good engines and do get a little better economy than a carb engine, but you must do the maintenance required in owners/service manual.
 
Joined
Oct 28, 2010
Messages
923
Re: MERC 200EFI

I would pick the Yamaha's, the EFI mercs use the same old switchbox technology as carburated motors they are not very reliable especially in a salt water evironment. Yamaha electronics are damn near bullet proof. The only problem with them is their fine metric threads, if not regular greasing and care plan on breaking a lot of bolts and paying for helicoils.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,930
Re: MERC 200EFI

the EFI mercs use the same old switchbox technology as carburated motors

The later 2.5 EFI's use CDM ignition thus no switchbox,,,the HPI (high pressure injection) systems are twice the maintenance and expense in salt water enviroment
 
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