Should I buy a new engine

[bree]

I have a '87 hustler 16' boat with a '77 Johnson 140hp that has given me lots of problems since I bought it used 2 years ago. I am thinking of getting a new 90hp engine for it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

It depends on a variety of factors. I've got a brand new Merc 90 and am very happy with it. But your boat is already 17 years old. I'm also afraid that the 90 may be underpowered compared to your current set up.<br /><br />What's wrong with the 140?<br /><br />From what I've seen unless the power head is gone, most engines can be reliably fixed.<br /><br />If you have good clean carbs, new water pump, re-sealed lower unit and good charging/pwr pack (maybe $1000 repair bill for all items) then you should be good to go for at least a few years.<br /><br />My first boat had a 30 year old 50 evinrude that ran like crap. I rebuilt the carbs and had the lower unit reseled. It is still running around the lake.<br /><br />I currently also have a 50 year old evinrude 7.5 on the fish tin. Runs well once I fixed most items at a lot less than buying a new motor...<br /><br />Joe

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

Ive allways wanted to by a new boat, but its big investment, and the depreciation is a killer for the first few years, guess thats why I dont do it, (Im too practical) another word for cheap, Plus I can do most repairs myself and enjoy doing it and I understand my equipment that way. If you do not trust the engine anymore and it is keeping you from enjoying your boat, and you can afford it without putting a burden on yourself, then go for it. I would concider at least a 115 though.

 

[JB]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

Yes, Bree.<br /><br />Buy a new Suzuki or Suzuki-built Johnson DF115 or DF140 4 stroke.<br /><br />Great engines, and very reliable as well as very user friendly, quiet, economical and clean. They are as easy to use as a new car.<br /><br />I have heard zero complaints about those engines and everyone who has one seems as thrilled with it as I am with my DF70 (Suzuki)4 stroke.<br /><br />Just be sure to break it in EXACTLY as the manual says.

 

[bree]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

Thanks everyone.<br />I have been wrestling with the idea of getting a new boat, but like LubeDude says, it is a big investment, and hard to justify. I have found a mechanic who will inspect my 140 Johnson and give his opinion. Have to wait about 2 weeks on him though. I want something reliable that I can take the kids on without any worries of mechanical failures.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

That doesn't go away even with a new motor. Boats are high maintenance but can be very reliable if you get to know the quirks of your particular outboard. The key is to always have a backup plan in case your motor acts up. ie- kicker, troller, oars, cellphone and knowing how to start the engine if flooded and how to pull start. Two batteries come in handy also.

 

[bree]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

I took the motor to the mechanic yesterday and he said the No.1 cylinder has low compression (115) and the rings seemed damanged, the others are between 139-145. His is investigating further. The powerhead was rebuilt about 8 months ago. Taking it back to the first mechanic is not an option. Should I put more money into this? How much am I looking at?

 

[JB]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

Decarb it and run new compression numbers before you do anything else, Bree.<br /><br />Tell us what the ". . .lots of problems. . ." were.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Mercathode]

Re: Should I buy a new engine

Hi Bree<br />I love the old motors personally; however, it is hard to beat new! A new 90 given proper maintenance would give you many years of trouble-free service and probably run a few ticks less than the 140 because the new motors are prop-rated. A 115 would probably not be much more than a 90 and I am sure the performance would be possibly ahead of the old 140 in both economy and speed if set up properly! I had a 77 Skeeter SS-7 with a 76 Johnson 135. it would run about 53 with a 23" SST at about 5400RPM. Then the power trim broke $$$$, clutch-dog went bad $$$, power pack $$$$$, stator $$$. We would load up and go to the Lake and end up coming home broke down with a new repair bill! I finally bought a brand new 87 110 Johnson. With a 22 inch Raker it would pull about 56 and was ready when I was. I was happy to pay a monthly note and play rather than a repair bill and get pulled in. <br />LW