repower

[shawn1127]

would like some input on new outboard i have a 88 20' sf
running a 90 honda getting ready to repower and so far i am
looking at 3 options 140/suzi 150/honda 135/optimax
would like to here what you guys think
thank you

[2182]

ive got 2 motor questions posted on here myself so take it or leave it but ive heard nothing but good things about the new suzukis and i know the optimaxes have had some major issues in past years. dont know much about hondas other than that theyre expensive and quiet.

[shawn1127]

my only issue w/the honda is 510 lbs

[2182]

you dont have to tell me about weight, ive got an 18 footer w/ a 200 merc on it. heavy motor but it pushes her right along and i havent noticed any adverse effects so far. im curious as to your results as im going to have to repower at some point in the next few years. good luck.

[mnwnvc]

I just purchased and installed a new 08 115 OptiMax on my 20 cc. So far I love it. Runs 40.6 mph wot at 5400 rpm. Not carrying a big load of fuel with two people in boat. I was also able to get a 5 year warranty. I think it weighs 380 lbs. Time will tell.

[eggsuckindog]

The weight is the killer and when you go from 4 cyl to 6 they ar4e all about the same. I wouldn't rule out the Etec's as I think they have a new 130 coming out. I would go with any of the above @ 130+ that has the least weight or close and stay with a 2S forget the Honda. All motors seem quite good these days and nobody except Yami and their fuel systems are having issues.

[KenB]

Don't forget tohatsu. They make a 115 TLDI that would work for you.

[shawn1127]

guys thanks for your input after alot of research i have
chose the zuk 140 got a perty good deal i think
wonder if anyone could help w/prop size i was told 20 or 21
any one w any info would be helpfull agin thanks

[eggsuckindog]

Sounds correct, Zukes have a lower gear ratio and can swing a bit bigger props - I also think that was a good choice

[Fr. Frank]

nobody except Yami and their fuel systems are having issues.

Everybody is having fuel issues. My local Merc dealer is right next to the Suzi dealer and while we were having coffee the other morning both agreed that 75% OR MORE of their service work nowadays is due to ethanol in the fuel, resulting in all kinds of havoc, both with 2 and 4 stroke motors.

Here's a real kicker: both agree that TCW3 2-stroke oil, when used with gasoline that is 8-10% ethanol, will NOT protect the engine in any oil injection system that does not inject the oil directly into the cylinders. It absolutely does not workk well when pre-mixed with gasahol and stored in a fuel tank.

Mercury is now recommending synthetic oil only for the Optimax motors when used with gasoline containing ethanol, and also strongly recommending using two additives at all times, Quickleen (similar to Powertune and RingFree) and Quicksilver Fuel Conditioner and Stabilizer designed for ethanol-containing fuels. Mercury is also considering adding an exclusion to it's extended warranty for alcohol-caused fuel-system damage.

Remember, ethanol (or any alcohol) is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts and collects water. There was a test done at the Southwest Research Institute that showed a well-vented 100 gallon container containing 50 gallons of unleaded gasoline composed of 10% ethanol, when allowed to sit in 80% - 90% humidity at a temperature ranging from 65*F to 98*F for 180 days, accumulated over 6 GALLONS of water in the bottom of the tank during that period, while losing 4 gallons in overall volume from evaporation.

After 180 days, having started with 50 gallons of gasoline, they ended up with 40 gallons of gas and 6 gallons of water. This is purely from condensation and the hydrophilic properties of ethanol in the gasoline. That's not good for ANY marine engine.

The sad thing is, around here, no one sells ethanol-free gas anymore.