Which Outboard

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

If you get the Merc, carry the best TCW3 Outboard oil you can buy, spare plugs and hose it down with fresh water regularly including under the cover.
IF you get the Yammie DO run the carb dry before a long period of no use, DO switch off the fuel when not running. The pilot/idle jet is incredibly small (economical) and WILL gunge up with dissolved solids that will block this jet.
IF you have any starting problems, or bad idling, DO NOT adjust the idle speed to compensate, go straight to the small jet and clean it.
(my preference is the Yam)

What is involved with cleaning the small jet In the Yamaha? Assume you're talking about the 4-stroke?

Must the carb be dismounted from the engine, dismantled, etc? Or it that all sort-of accessible by simply removing the engine cover?

How do you clean? Compressed air, as through a needle valve? Solvents? Both? Other?

-Chris

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by shamrock

Also, Mercs are not great quality. They now sell suzuki 4 strokes under the Mercury brand. I'm not sure who is making merc 2 strokes. I don't thimk they sell them in the states.

The smaller Mercury 4 strokes are Tohatsu, not Suzuki. The smaller Nissans, Mercurys, and Tohatsus are all virtually identical and made by Tohatsu, and are very good quality motors.

[shamrock]

My Mistake, Tohatsu. I was referring to merc 2 strokes not being great quality, That certainly is only opinion and what I've heard...

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by shamrock

My Mistake, Tohatsu. I was referring to merc 2 strokes not being great quality, That certainly is only opinion and what I've heard...

I recently bought a Yamaha 2 stroke 6hp, made in 89, and ended up replacing the whole cylinder block due to corrosion issues. So I'd suggest being very careful buying a used outboard. The problem is, they simply operate in a very harsh environment.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by capttman

I guess I'm old fashion; question: why do people keep buying dingy that lasts 5 or so years. Go fiberglass

I have a 12-year old Avon rib. Add air to it once a year (when the temps fall below freezing in the fall). Brilliant piece of kit. I doubt that 50% of its useful life has passed.