Posts: 2312
Location: SE, WI. | I've had 4 engines now On my ranger. First 2 were Honda 4 strokes...90HP.
Last 2 were Etecs. For me; I would NOT buy a 4 stroke again.
For you; If you run small amounts of hours yearly, I don't think it matters.
I fish hard water...Lime/calcium, The 4 stroke after approx 1000 hours of run time, engine alarms went off, and the water jackets were limed up and had to run a solution through then pull head to clean engine again. It happened to both 90 Honda's.
Now running the 90 Etec, then later 115 etech I had no problems with overheating due to lime or calcium deposits. I think the water jackets that cool engine were either larger or engine runs hotter. When I traded in my 90 etec, I was told that they never had anyone put more hours on a etec as I did. I had 2200 + hours of run time in 3 1/2 years use. I was one of the first to own the etec in this area.
I've heard of many types of 4 strokes having the same issues in this area due to hard water...Honda's, Merc's,Yami's...ect. Alot of Idle hours due to trolling or pontoons idling around.
I will not run a 4 stroke again. IMO, the new technology 2 strokes bring is the way of the future. I've had 2200 + hours on my Etech (90)HP, and currently have about 1000 hours on my 115 and never really had any problems, other than the Plugs foul because they use a champion plug, which I view as a poor plug. BUT the new irridium plug they are using in the Etecs have lasted much longer than the ones they started with.
If you do alot of trolling, and idling, I like the 2 strokes. If you don't put alot of hours on your engines, I am not sure it matters which you pick. The etec will cost about $1000 - $1500 more in price depending the HP you pick.
Hope this helps in your decision. My experiences might help you! |
