[blackwaterkatz]

Just curious, how many hours should someone expect out of a 2-stroke engine, properly maintained, and used regularly for fishing or pleasure boating?
Also how does 2-stroke vs 4-stroke engine life compare?
I know there are a lot of old engines out there, still running well.

 

[Bobpaul]

From what I've seen, the larger the engine, the less hours you can expect out of it.

I asked the same question about the Ficht engines, when some engineers were demonstrating it. I never got a straight answer.

Everything in the past was, I believe, built to last longer. Today they have engineered obsolesense, to keep the products being sold and or repaired.

As far as 4 stroke compared to 2 stroke, we may have to wait a few more years to see how many old 4 strokes survive.

 

[blackwaterkatz]

Kind of what I was thinking, too, Bobpaul. The new stuff is reliable, but I'm not sold on long life, yet. I notice the commercial fishermen around here seem to go through a lot of motors. Maybe the tolerances were less, and not so technical, don't know.

 

[jim]

Tommy I agree with it depends on usage and care.My Optimax is 5 years old and my dealer says it is like new.BUT and thats a big BUT I maintain it well.It has never had anything but stabilized fuel and the Mercury semi syn oil designed for it.Every year the dealer performs the required scheduled main like new plugs,lower unit oil change ,prop removed, splines greased,new fuel water separator filter etc etc.Every other year it get a new water pump kit put in.I change the lower unit oil twice a year with synthetic lube and on and on.This winter it will get a new fuel line and bulb.Commercial guys usually aren't maint freaks,they just turn the key and go every day during the fishing seasons.They fix it when it breaks just like the guides on Santee.Most of the new engines will last if taken care of like anything else.We bought several of the new E-Tec engines for our Navy boat crew so I will see how they hold up.So far they are excellent.

 

[blackwaterkatz]

I do most of the same things you do, Jim, but I do most of it myself. What I meant about the commercials is to me they seem to go through even more motors than I can remember, but I haven't talked to any of them about it. It may just be my impression. I know they run them hard. I do see a lot of them using 4-strokes now, too.
I was mainly interested in the life of fishing motors, though. I've got about 200 hours on my 90 Yamaha 2-stroke now, and hope to get many more. I run synthetic lubricants in mine, too.
Glad to see you all survived Ophelia. Sounded like rainfall was a major problem up your way, though.

 

[Tellico00]

Keith,

What do yo mean when you say flush the engine every year? You are not refering to the lower unit are you?

Mike

 

[jim]

I would recommend that anyone that is buying a new engine to get the saltwater version.They have more corrosion resistance built into them.Most new engines have a flushing attachment built in.Just hook up the old garden hose and flush Everytime you use it to get the sand and crud out.

 

[blackwaterkatz]

Mine has an attachment on the side of the engine, and I always flush it after trips in salt or brackish water, and probably every 2-3 trips in fresh water.

 

[Mutt]

well i feel its just how you take care of the engine. i just retired my old merc 55 1958 year model never overhauled. it had a gazillon hours on it but i ran good 2 stroke oil changed the gear oil 2 times a year and lubed the prop shaft twice a year. when i sold it the altanator finnaly gave up the ghost but no biggie just charge the battery before you go. carbs were overhauled twice in its life always ran super.
i have a 60 hp merc now on my bassboat i have its all 1995 model been serviced the way i took care of the old one and i expect to get many many more years out of it unless i go over to a 4 stroke. i am looking at a new boat
i have a friend that has a older boat and engine he has constant problems with his motor but its all due to poor maintenance of it he has owned it for 7 years and never has even changed his lu oil. almost forgot one thing i wanted to say i also flush my engine after every time i take it out takes a couple of minutes and it sure wont hurt to do it. most of my fishing is in crystal clear waters in some lakes but i do flush it everytime. cheap insurance i feel.