Such great tips, Keith. It's great that you shares disclaimers and cautions about particular brand names, and at the same time, you are still letting the audience know if they still want to purchase, they can, but be careful. Yes, I'm realizing just like a car, motorcycle, machines, etc... take that boat out for a test run. I like that saying the person said to you. If something new comes out, he'll allow a few years to go by in order to see how things go. Lol. That can apply to many things in life. Great video as always, Keith!
the 1st 18 months of production was a nightmare for OMC and it's FICHT motors, but they wanted ALL those 60 degree powerheads shipped back to the factory for updated ones. all the things you listed had been largely corrected after this. too bad though as it really damaged their reputation. The FORCE motors under Mercury were excellent motors as by 1996 they had merc mids, gearcases, trim and ignitions. only ran until 1999, but the last of the bunch were smooth, quite and easy to work on. I believe Merc did piston and bearing updates as well on most. the 3 cyl merc made 25hp (sold as a Force) is rare, but at only 92lbs, was an absolute rocket! One brand i would say stay away from is any Suzuki DT 2 strokes... not because they weren't excellent motors, because they were, but because parts are not available, people are clueless as to how the simple and reliable oil injection works, and how the sensors work on the digital ignitions. any one of those ignition parts will cost an arm and a leg, and like Yamaha had teething issues throughout. I love the DTV6 motors.... rebuilding a 1986 super six with the dual plug heads as I write this, but not for the weekend mechanic thats for sure!
I'd like to hear your opinion on the legendary OMC JonnyRude Crossflow. I just rebuilt a 1980 Evinrude 140cv. I had a 1995 Evinrude 90cv that ate a ring (or two) lol and I finally had to break down and pull the powerhead. The 79'-98' v4 crossflows were all the same. 100ci. I found a donor motor on FB and got the whole motor for $400. Tore the powerhead down, measured the cylinders (surprisingly in spec) and rebuilt it. I used the 1995 electronics and ignition. 1980 bypass covers for the recirculation system and the 1980 carbs because they had the large bore 1 5/16 with 67c jets. I had to do that because of the bubbleback exhaust. It's basically a 1995 115cv because as you know the horsepower rating changed in the late 80's. Only time will tell how fuel mileage differs. Kind of wish I would have used the flatback exhaust and 90cv carbs. Better fuel consumption. It's a center console fishing boat. I doubt I'll ever get the benefit of the extra 15 horsepower because it's up top at like 5800rpm.
I agree. Great video, as always! One suggestion... Could you increase the microphone gain or speak closer to it? I can hear you alright, but only if I play your videos at full volume.
Another one to avoid. McCullough outboards. 75 HP models ran fast when they ran. Three cylinder engines that blew head gaskets frequently. If it lasted long enough, it'd likely throw a rod through the block. Very high compression motors, ran 100:1 oil mixture (yep, that's right). They'd outrun a 90 Johnson which was a heavier engine but again, they frequently self destructed.
I think any motors earlier than the 1970s should be avoided at all costs. I have a 1963 Montgomery ward 6 HP that has the Chrysler parts and I cannot find parts for it anywhere. I bought the motor on a boat 6 years ago and the previous owner said that he had replaced the impeller back in 2016. Today in 2024, the impeller still works, and i pulled the lower unit to look at it, and the impeller still looks ok, but the rubber wings are weak. It still pumps water but has to be at high idle minimum. Low idle, no water moves at all. It also backfires at time's even when the carb is properly adjusted. Compression is at 65 psi so im thinking that the motor doesnt have much time left anyway. No marine shop in my area is interested in working on it, so probably will run it till it dies. Also had a 1955 johnson that ran great till the lower unit seized up. A seal went bad and water got up into the lower unit with the oil. Also couldn't find parts anywhere, but the impeller was still in great shape. Motor had a lot of backfiring but its a result of one of the cylinders having 50 psi and the other had 75 psi. If i buy a used motor, probably wont go any older than early 90s. I really like the older Mercurys. Although its really nice to see some outboards last 50+ years. Especially if the maintenance is done. I bought a Hangkai 6 HP outboard on ebay. Cheap motor, but im curious to see how long it lasts.
@@bobmcglothlin1562 That’s a trick question. As long as the motor has been properly maintained and all checks out following the guide most motors are fine. If I was looking for two stroke older motors I like yamaha because of their oil injection system.
@OutboardDad I am in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will be next May before I can spend money on it but I am definitely interested. I just went threw a nasty divorce so my money situation right now is not good. But next May I will have access to my savings . I have a 2000 Tracker Tournament V18 with a early 70s 115 Johnson motor that I'd love to swap out for a good loop charged 140.
@@DanVanDorn I actually have a 150 for sale. It’s a 60 degree 1995 with new water pump, trim seals, lower unit oil and plugs. Email me and I can send you pics keith@outboarddad.com
Top motors to avoid ? Anything made in the last 20 years ... its all a endless garbage money pit .... for what they cost , its a joke ... Four strokes ? Meh , heavy and slow and way too much tech to just spin a propeller and when they go boom , just junk it ....All my old JohnnyRudes from the 70s run like a top still but you have to maintain them . yeh , they suck fuel like mad , but they will get you home ... means more to me when your out on the water ... easy to rebuild too , plenty of parts second hand to choose from
Boat/motor owner for 45 years. I feel the newer motors have been more reliable for me. My current motor has 700+ hours and never anything more than standard oil changes and a new water pump impeller now and then.
@@AdventuresOutdoors I'd have over 5000 hours on a Tohatsu mfs40 and over 1000 hours on an mfs50. Neither has missed a beat, both start with ease any time. I'd never have a 2 stroke again.
Such great tips, Keith. It's great that you shares disclaimers and cautions about particular brand names, and at the same time, you are still letting the audience know if they still want to purchase, they can, but be careful.
Yes, I'm realizing just like a car, motorcycle, machines, etc... take that boat out for a test run. I like that saying the person said to you. If something new comes out, he'll allow a few years to go by in order to see how things go. Lol. That can apply to many things in life. Great video as always, Keith!
@@sherinewade Thank you!
Had a 2004 Mariner 115 Optimax and couldn't fault it . Loved to be run hard and excellent fuel economy .
My 97 Mercury 175 EFI ran perfect yesterday at the lake (fishing). Glad my outboard didn't make 'The List' ! Thanks for the info.
@@wayne558 your very welcome!
@@wayne558 Nice!
the 1st 18 months of production was a nightmare for OMC and it's FICHT motors, but they wanted ALL those 60 degree powerheads shipped back to the factory for updated ones. all the things you listed had been largely corrected after this. too bad though as it really damaged their reputation. The FORCE motors under Mercury were excellent motors as by 1996 they had merc mids, gearcases, trim and ignitions. only ran until 1999, but the last of the bunch were smooth, quite and easy to work on. I believe Merc did piston and bearing updates as well on most. the 3 cyl merc made 25hp (sold as a Force) is rare, but at only 92lbs, was an absolute rocket! One brand i would say stay away from is any Suzuki DT 2 strokes... not because they weren't excellent motors, because they were, but because parts are not available, people are clueless as to how the simple and reliable oil injection works, and how the sensors work on the digital ignitions. any one of those ignition parts will cost an arm and a leg, and like Yamaha had teething issues throughout. I love the DTV6 motors.... rebuilding a 1986 super six with the dual plug heads as I write this, but not for the weekend mechanic thats for sure!
@@ct1762 Thank you! Great insight here, I will have to do a follow up video with your comment
I'd like to hear your opinion on the legendary OMC JonnyRude Crossflow. I just rebuilt a 1980 Evinrude 140cv. I had a 1995 Evinrude 90cv that ate a ring (or two) lol and I finally had to break down and pull the powerhead. The 79'-98' v4 crossflows were all the same. 100ci. I found a donor motor on FB and got the whole motor for $400. Tore the powerhead down, measured the cylinders (surprisingly in spec) and rebuilt it. I used the 1995 electronics and ignition. 1980 bypass covers for the recirculation system and the 1980 carbs because they had the large bore 1 5/16 with 67c jets. I had to do that because of the bubbleback exhaust. It's basically a 1995 115cv because as you know the horsepower rating changed in the late 80's. Only time will tell how fuel mileage differs. Kind of wish I would have used the flatback exhaust and 90cv carbs. Better fuel consumption. It's a center console fishing boat. I doubt I'll ever get the benefit of the extra 15 horsepower because it's up top at like 5800rpm.
@@MexicoPescadoro Yes I love those motors! My first was a 79 Johnson 85 hp ran for 22 yrs
thanks for this. Now considering repower with brand new BF250 Honda, any feedback on this outboard? thanks again.
@@khalidalbagdadymd4081 Hey man, I know 2 guys that have those and love them!
I agree.
Great video, as always!
One suggestion...
Could you increase the microphone gain or speak closer to it?
I can hear you alright, but only if I play your videos at full volume.
@@josemariatrueba4568 Yes I am working on that, going to GoPro
Another one to avoid. McCullough outboards. 75 HP models ran fast when they ran. Three cylinder engines that blew head gaskets frequently. If it lasted long enough, it'd likely throw a rod through the block. Very high compression motors, ran 100:1 oil mixture (yep, that's right). They'd outrun a 90 Johnson which was a heavier engine but again, they frequently self destructed.
@@barryf5479 Interesting
I think any motors earlier than the 1970s should be avoided at all costs.
I have a 1963 Montgomery ward 6 HP that has the Chrysler parts and I cannot find parts for it anywhere. I bought the motor on a boat 6 years ago and the previous owner said that he had replaced the impeller back in 2016. Today in 2024, the impeller still works, and i pulled the lower unit to look at it, and the impeller still looks ok, but the rubber wings are weak. It still pumps water but has to be at high idle minimum. Low idle, no water moves at all. It also backfires at time's even when the carb is properly adjusted. Compression is at 65 psi so im thinking that the motor doesnt have much time left anyway. No marine shop in my area is interested in working on it, so probably will run it till it dies.
Also had a 1955 johnson that ran great till the lower unit seized up. A seal went bad and water got up into the lower unit with the oil. Also couldn't find parts anywhere, but the impeller was still in great shape. Motor had a lot of backfiring but its a result of one of the cylinders having 50 psi and the other had 75 psi.
If i buy a used motor, probably wont go any older than early 90s. I really like the older Mercurys.
Although its really nice to see some outboards last 50+ years. Especially if the maintenance is done.
I bought a Hangkai 6 HP outboard on ebay. Cheap motor, but im curious to see how long it lasts.
How do I go about getting one of your books Sir?
@@bobmcglothlin1562 Email me at keith@outboarddad.com
Hi Keith, how do I go about getting one of those books you offered, Thanks!
@@Ray-hj5cc Thanks just email me keith@outboarddad.com
What brand of motor do you recommend?
@@bobmcglothlin1562 That’s a trick question. As long as the motor has been properly maintained and all checks out following the guide most motors are fine. If I was looking for two stroke older motors I like yamaha because of their oil injection system.
the first generation VRO from OMC took out allot of connecting rod bearings
@@volunteermaupi4809 Indeed, and OMC did not have a fix, just kept sending out faulty pumps
Volvo Penta bought Seven Marine in 2017 and put them out of business in 2020.
@@mcplutt Good to know
At least he didn’t say Mercury tower of power or johnrude Xflow v4
@@AbbyNormalGarage Love those motors!
The Tower of Power! Yes....
Tower of power forever
Very useful
@@eppsteacher Thanks buddy
Where can I get a copy of that book please?
I just subscribed 😊
@@tiemanmalcolm Just email me keith@outboarddad.com and I will send it to you in a pdf. Thanks for subscribing!
My 1994 mercury 200 offshore is still screaming also but inhales gas
@@Lazybones52 Yes the suck it down!
My ficht is powerful and economical! 2001
@@Lazybones52 It’s amazing when you hear people say they are all garbage
What about the middle 90s 90°V block 4 cylinder OMC motors??? I would love to find a Loop charged 140 with the big v6 gearcase.
@@DanVanDorn I have one, where are you located?
@OutboardDad I am in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will be next May before I can spend money on it but I am definitely interested. I just went threw a nasty divorce so my money situation right now is not good. But next May I will have access to my savings .
I have a 2000 Tracker Tournament V18 with a early 70s 115 Johnson motor that I'd love to swap out for a good loop charged 140.
@@DanVanDorn OK, send me an email and I will send you my used outboard buying guide. Keith@outboarddad.con
@@OutboardDad Tell me about the Loop Charged OMC 140 that you have.
@@DanVanDorn I actually have a 150 for sale. It’s a 60 degree 1995 with new water pump, trim seals, lower unit oil and plugs. Email me and I can send you pics keith@outboarddad.com
Tohatsu ?
@@williamestep4103 Good point, only worked in a few and all ran well. Will have to do a follow up video
7 Marine only went out of business because Volvo killed it.
@@charlesdriggers199 Agreed
It’s not the motors fault it malfunctions it’s the owners who never maintain them.
@@robertmoody2221 So true!
Force stand for F------G old Rebuilt Chrysler Engine
Never buy Force or Evinrude anything. Ever 💯
@@randymiller5008 Thanks for the comment
He forgot to mention the Yamaha 250hp and up hpdi worse motor ever
@@livangil Thank you, your right, will have to do a follow up video
My 2004 250 HPDI is at 1500 hours and counting
Top motors to avoid ? Anything made in the last 20 years ... its all a endless garbage money pit .... for what they cost , its a joke ... Four strokes ? Meh , heavy and slow and way too much tech to just spin a propeller and when they go boom , just junk it ....All my old JohnnyRudes from the 70s run like a top still but you have to maintain them . yeh , they suck fuel like mad , but they will get you home ... means more to me when your out on the water ... easy to rebuild too , plenty of parts second hand to choose from
@@jeffreybodine2897 Thank you Jeff! Love your input
Boat/motor owner for 45 years. I feel the newer motors have been more reliable for me. My current motor has 700+ hours and never anything more than standard oil changes and a new water pump impeller now and then.
Oh… and fuel economy… I get better fuel economy with my 150hp than I did with a 20hp from the late 70s and with no oil to breathe.
@@AdventuresOutdoors Thank you
@@AdventuresOutdoors I'd have over 5000 hours on a Tohatsu mfs40 and over 1000 hours on an mfs50. Neither has missed a beat, both start with ease any time. I'd never have a 2 stroke again.
Yamaha sumps are nla.