upgrading to 4 stroke

[strippingguards]

I have a 1988 Mercury 135hp that, although it has served me well in the past, has become somewhat unreliable. I have a 19 ft mako and I am just starting to consider the expense involved with upgrading to a 4 stroke. Can anyone give me some initial starting information that may be useful in my search? I am mildly handy with motor repair type work and wiring but switching out the entire engine is much too big a job for me I admit. I am initially thinking about an engine in the 115 to 130 class.<br />Approximately how much does a new/used motor cost and when powering up, is my old engine worth anything in trade?<br />Any input would be helpful. Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: upgrading to 4 stroke

Ahoy, Doug.<br /><br />Mercury, Yamaha, Johnson, Honda and Suzuki all offer EFI 4 strokes in 115HP. All good engines. Very comparable in weight (415# to 420#, except the Honda, which is about 100# heavier) and performance. Johnson and Suzuki (identical engines with different paint)seem to offer better prices, but that is a dealer by dealer thing.<br /><br />Honda offers a 130 EFI engine, a bit over 500#.<br /><br />Johnson and Suzuki (again, the same engine) offer a 140 EFI engine that is currently the hottest seller of the engines mentioned due to it's light (410#) weight and excellent performance.<br /><br />In your position I would shop for a JohnnyUki 140.<br /><br />Be sure to check out iboats offerings in new and late model used engines.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[sevarges]

Re: upgrading to 4 stroke

DON"T BOTHER WITH A 4-Stroke<br />I used to own a HONDA 90HP...<br /><br />Performance was not there!!!!!<br /><br />It just didn't get up and go.....<br />It was quiet at idle, thought when on plane<br />not difference than the motor i have now!!!<br /><br />I WENT TO AN EVINRUDE, WOW A REAL POWER HOUSE<br />a big difference, and just as quiet on plane and fuel economy is just or better than the 4-stroke!!! AND DOESN'T WEIGH A TON!!!!<br /><br />the 2-stroke DI IS the way to go!!!!!!!

 

[jprasisto]

Re: upgrading to 4 stroke

Doug:<br />I agree with JB. After looking around a LOT I am re-powering twin '86 Evin. 150's with twin Suzi 140/4stroke. I figured why go with the Johnson if they get them from Suzi anyway, plus I have a dealer real close by. They seem to make the most sense with the lower weight...... Power seems good and the overall cost was excellent. Plus if you move on them by the end of the month you get 3 additional warranty years that are transferable should you sell. Good Luck!

 

[strippingguards]

Re: upgrading to 4 stroke

Thanks for the input - very helpful. Here's what I've done so far: Called my local mercury/yamaha dealer who is the local mako dealer as well. He said a 4 stoke is not the way to go for my boat. The weight and the power would not compare to having a mercury 135 optimax 2 stroke. The only advantage would be the quiet idle. But with the new optimax there would be a significant 'jump out of the water' and speed advantage that the 4 stroke could not offer. He said there's no way he would get 4 stroke for my boat. Price 10K with the possibility of a 1999 available for 7-8K.<br />Then I called Mr Honda dealer and he told me the honda 130 hp 4 stroke with a stainless prop will come close to the 2 stroke in performance but would have the big advantages of no oil, great fuel economy, and Honda's proven track record. Price 11,500 installed - soup to nuts - including a new hydraulic steering system (10,600 without hydraulic steering).<br />After hearing that and then reading JB's post, it sounds like I could get the best of both worlds with the Suzuki 140 4 stroke - good power, not as heavy, less expensive, quiet, no oil, fuel efficient - OK so what are the drawbacks? Some other posts discussed problems historically with Suzuki and their warrantee and/or maintenance? any truth here? What kind of price am I looking at?<br />Also - what's the best way to get the most I can for my current engine which is still in very good condition? Mercury 135v6 1988.<br />Thanks for the advice