What's the Lowdown on 4-strokes ?

[Tony T.]

I have never owned a 4 stroke outboard and was wanting to get some information about them from you guys. I've heard they are heavier than the 2 strokes but they are quite sounding. Also I've heard the term used, well if you can get one that was built in the U.S.A. there lot better built engines, some say others are built like in China and are not as good of outboard. I don't know myself is the reason I'm asking.

My preference is Johnson and Evinrude but I also like the Yamaha's, like I said these brands are 2 stroke outboards I'm referring to. Here lately I've picked up three smaller outboards and this is actually what I'm referring to 1985 Evinrude 6 hp, 1994 &1990 Johnson 9.9 & 15 hp 2 stroke I'm familiar with. I've seen some smaller 4 strokes for sale but I have pasted them up because I know nothing about them.

I'm not trying to start a argument over 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke here, simply I'd like to know the advantages and dis-advantages of owning a 4 stroke outboard.

Tony

 

[Scott Danforth]

• emission wise, a new 4-stroke has fewer emissions than a 2-stroke
• weight wise, a 4-stroke is heavier, mainly because the power head itself needs to be larger. a 4-stroke has 1 power stroke for every 2 revolutions, where a 2-stroke has 1 power stroke for every revolution. they also carry crank-case oil in them.
• 4-strokes have more moving parts and require more maintenance than the 2-stroke motor
• they are all man-made, they all fail
• 4-strokes are quieter than 2-strokes
• 4-strokes are slightly more efficient than 2-strokes
• most motors under 40hp are tohatsu, no mater what the brand sticker is on the outside. so unless your buying larger engines, they are made in Japan.
• nothing smells like a 2-stroke
• nothing sounds like a 2-stroke at full song.

 

[jimmbo]

• emission wise, a new 4-stroke has fewer emissions than a 2-stroke.
• nothing smells like a 2-stroke
• nothing sounds like a 2-stroke at full song.

Apparently the E-tecs are better on emissions

Nothing smell better than 2 stroke oil after it has been through an engine.

The sound speaks like it has Authority

 

[flyingscott]

The hp you are looking for will determine the where it was made. Tohatsu makes most of the 40 and under 4 strk motors for most manufacturers and those are good motors, above 40 are mostly a brand specific engine. The years you are looking at will determine that difference also. The 4 strks are generally quieter and heavier and will generally be down on power compared to a 2 strk BUT the 4 strks are getting better. There is more to go wrong on a 4 strk because you have more parts and oil changes on them are kinda pricey. The only full line producer of 2 strks anymore is BRP and the E-tecs are sorta lightweight and good powerful runners and sometimes are capable of better fuel mileage than a 4 strk. They also do not require oil changes and valve adjustments.

 

[Tony T.]

The hp you are looking for will determine the where it was made. Tohatsu makes most of the 40 and under 4 strk motors for most manufacturers and those are good motors, above 40 are mostly a brand specific engine. The years you are looking at will determine that difference also. The 4 strks are generally quieter and heavier and will generally be down on power compared to a 2 strk BUT the 4 strks are getting better. There is more to go wrong on a 4 strk because you have more parts and oil changes on them are kinda pricey. The only full line producer of 2 strks anymore is BRP and the E-tecs are sorta lightweight and good powerful runners and sometimes are capable of better fuel mileage than a 4 strk. They also do not require oil changes and valve adjustments.

First of all thank you guys for the information so far. flyingscott so if it's a outboard under 40 hp, a 4 stroke no matter if it's Johnson, Evinrude, Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki,etc,etc,etc. it's manufactured by Tohatsu. I've seen a few of the Tohatsu small outboards for sale but knew nothing about them.

Actually this hearing of outboards from China is a dreamed up deal I guess, I know Japan has produced some good engines over the years, I had very good luck with Honda ATV's and about three years ago bought my first Suzuki ATV and so far knock on wood it's been a good one.

Tony

 

[flyingscott]

Yes generally tohatsu builds everybodys small engines. There are exceptions I think yamaha builds most of there own and suzuki might. Right now the only american made full line of engines made in the states is BRP all the e-tecs are american made. Most of these companies have plants in China. I also believe the Evinrude portables are tohasu motors.

 

[racerone]

IF you can do the repairs / service yourself than a 4 stroke is an option.-------But most big 4 strokes need service and at a shop that can be spendy.---Big motors today are complicated.----Repair shop will say.----" we do not overhaul those , buy a new one "

 

[thatone123]

2 strokes have been around for 100 years and still are in most of the world from what hear, especially in developing countries. Early 2 strokes were developed to compete with the heavy inboard 4 strokes back in the day. 2 stroke outboards were developed to be LIGHT and FAST, 2 things 4 strokes are not or at least until you get up to the 4,6, and 8 cylinders where things start to equal out a bit. It's strange, but because of radical environmentalist we are now going backward to slower, heavier, more complicated boat motors (It can be argued that we are going backward as to culture too) 2 strokes have been used in some lakes in the upper Mid-west for 100 years and the fish are as healthy as ever. Folks always say that 4 strokes are quiet and more fuel efficient. I tell them that yes, that is because they do not create as much POWER. There is more to go wrong with 4 strokes, especially concerning the crankcase that holds the oil. I came across a guy recently who had a fairly new 4 stroke taken apart in his garage because the relief valve in the crankcase was stuck. If you compare a American forged Aluminum connecting rod from a old 60's 9.5 OMC and put it next to a recent Jap motor, you will get a good belly laugh when you see the cheap cast rod in a lower end Jap engine that had a broken crankshaft.