Might Need A New Outboard

[Bad Obsession]

Well, I am thinking that my old Johnson 4.5 outboard might be on the way out. The water pump is acting up but I think that it is a small part of a sinister problem. I have noticed a lot of leakage on the outboard. It looked like oil but it is a two stroke....where could it leak oil from? I did some work on the lower unit so I know that it isn't the lower unit. I am not sure what the problem is but I am going to turn it over to my mechanic for a final diagnosis. If it is something serious I am going to have to break down and buy a new outboard.What is the most cost effective way to get a new outboard? I want to have a 5 horse power with a long shaft (20"). Which brands should I look at and which brands should I stay away from? Also, where is the best place to purchase a new outboard?Thanks in Advance...Oh...just have to throw in that I got to go sailing today for the first time this season. It was a bit cold but it was still a great day!

 

[Rick Webb]

Check With These Guys

http://www.onlineoutboards.com/5hp_tohatsu_outboard_motor.html

 

[Mark]

new outboard

Personally I have and love the Honda 4 stroke 8 hp. It'll move my 22 at mid rpm's to 7.4 nmh. Best thing about them is that they are the quietest available. Although, all newer 4 strokes are going to be quieter than a 2 stroke. Not to mention the fact that they are much better for the environment, and, NO MORE MIXING your gas and oil which is great in itself. The link that was posted earlier does have some good priced units though. If you do end up breaking down and needing to get that new one though, I'd start by finding out all the brands that are locally sold and serviced in your area first. You really won't like having gotten a good deal on an outboard somewhere only to find out that getting it serviced and parts will require long drives. I found that out with a suzuki ob I once had.Good luck. Mark

 

[Travis]

Outboard

Sorry to hear about the possible death of your outboard. It may be possible that when you worked on the lower unit, one of the seals to the water pump (seal, pipes, or housing)is bad, allowing the water to pump lower unit oil into the engine.If you do buy a new outboard, just shop knowing that Mercury is the only outboard still made in the good ol USA.

 

[kingprawn]

honda and tohatsu

I have a honda 8 and it's wonderful even though it's old enough for the label plate to have fallen off. It even ran fine the other day on the gas that's been sitting in the tank all winter. I've read a lot of good stuff about the Tohatsu. Boaters world will deliver one to you, and with their "bill me later" option you can enjoy it before the significant other starts to rant. If you use your outboard for battery charging it might be easier to find a slightly larger one with an alternator. I've drooled over the Tohatsu some already, but it's mostly just because I like to spend money on the boat.I'm very jealous about you sailing today. I might get out this weekend on a friend's 30'. The old guy's had it for a year and never raised his new sails, so some friends and I are going to try to get it out of the slip and into the wind for him this weekend. He's having knee surgery in a couple of weeks, so this may be our only chance to get him sailing his boat for a couple of months. Wish us luck with the weather.

 

[Guest]

Anti-Honda

There used to be a guy who wrote into this forum who was passionately anti-Honda. Buddy, if you´re out there, I´m with you. I bought a new 2000 Honda 4 stroke 8 hp. I recently sold it. Oh happy day! I will not bore anyone with a list of problems that started almost from day one, but I would not recommend a Honda o.b. to anyone. The above owners may be satisfied with theirs, but any factory capable of turning out a lemon like I bought, can´t be trusted.David King

 

[Drew]

Tohatsu

I've got a 8 hp Tohatsu 4-stroke on my 240 - the thing is a dream. Quiet, dependable, efficient. Check out the link in your first response then just shop around. Getting a Tohatsu serviced in your area should be no problem at all. Good luck. Drew

 

[Jacktar]

Outboard

Got a really nice deal on our 4hp 4 stroke Nissan from Houma Marine Supply,Inc. on-line.www.onlineoutboards.com

 

[Bad Obsession]

Back From The Dead

Well, the mechanic that I use is pretty good and his prices are unquestionably reasonable. I can get a new water pump and all the old seals replaced in the two stroke for about $300. Cheaper than buying a new outboard. The mechanic did caution me that I should start saving up money to buy a new outboard....because eventually he won't be able to save it. This isn't a big problem now, but in a few seasons I should replace it.For now I am going to fix this one and that will give me time to save up money and find an insaine deal!