How many hours are modern outboards good for?

[Tony Barber]

Hi,

I have heard varying figures from 900 hours to 3500+ hours. Also, there seems to be a big difference between 2 & 4 stroke with the general opinion that 4 strokes should last longer?

I would really appreciate your thoughts.

Cheers,

Tony.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by Tony Barber

...the general opinion that 4 strokes should last longer?

A 4-stroke has more moving parts, so in theory should have a shorter life...

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Richard B

A 4-stroke has more moving parts, so in theory should have a shorter life...

[Richard B]

Valve gear, pushrod or camshaft.

Moving parts mean mechanical wear.

Both 4/ and 2/ will have either carbs or a fuel injection system.

It's all a bit academic anyway.... a lot must depend on the characteristics of the particular engine and how it's used and maintained.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Richard B

A 4-stroke has more moving parts, so in theory should have a shorter life...

Interesting theory.....

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Richard B

A 4-stroke has more moving parts, so in theory should have a shorter life...

Ah but you could say that all the wear is split between a greater number of parts so should last longer cos each bit will therefore wear slower

In answer to the original question I have read loads about engines blowing up but never about one wearing out of sheer old age so I don't think they ever get to the end of their days naturally, by the sound of it?

[codprawn]

The Yanks use their outboards a lot more than most(cheap fuel) - most of the commercial fishermen reckon on getting 2000hrs+ 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Of course they will only last as long as they are looked after!!!

[ADS]

1000 hours on a 150optimax apparently according to a Southern Merc dealer.

[Biggles]

Originally Posted by ADS

1000 hours on a 150optimax apparently according to a Southern Merc dealer.

Just guessing but to put a time frame on that for the average user would it be fair to say about 5 years use then.

Put in that context it doesn't seem a lot.

[behavin]

our work twin f115's managed 1300 hours before human error messed them up a bit!!!!

lets just say something went in the tank that shouldn't have been anywhere near a fuel nozzle!!!