4 stroke v 2 stroke

[gmalicoat]

Hey all,

I am looking to buy a 10-15 hp outboard and was wondering what your preference was 4 or 2 stroke. I saw a commercial on OLN advertising a 2 stroke saying that 4 strokes require more servicing. Any info will be appreciated.

[FishTales]

Four Stroke - You have to change oil & filter, change lower unit oil.
They run quiet, don't smoke, fuel efficient.
Two Stroke - You don't change oil, you mix it with the gas, still change lower unit oil.
They are noisy, they smoke, stink and burn more gas.
Just my opinion, you decide.
Rich

[kroppe]

Lots of opinions on this subject. Here are some facts that everyone agrees with. 4 strokes are quieter, and more fuel efficient. However, they are heavier and usually more expensive.

My preference is 4 stroke. I have had a 2 stroke and now I have 2 Honda 4 strokes. Great motors and don't regret the decision. Quiet trolling, easy on fuel and reliable. No extra oil to buy and add to the gas, no smoke.

4 strokes do require oil and filter change like a car engine, but it's a 10 minute job. Maybe 6 minutes after you've done it a few times. Unless you do a very high number of hours per year, IMHO you don't need to change the engine oil and filter every year. Lower unit lube is the same as with 2 strokes.

[Lucky Dog]

Lots of good comments so far, the things I don't like about 4 strokes is their heavy weight, they can be doggy out of the hole, and they can be cold blooded in cold weather. I've got a 15 hp 4 stroke on my duck boat that I would love to replace with a two stroke.
The big advantage of the 4 strokes, no mixing gas.

[jmoser]

Not sure if 2 strokes are going to be available in the 10 hp class any longer due to emisisons regulations? To make a 2 stroke legal you need high tech fuel injection and oil injection, not cost effective on the smaller motors. Check the manufacturers' web sites, I believe 2006 or 2007 was the magic year for emissions compliance.

4 strokes will eventually need timing belt and valve clearance adjustment; maybe 100 hr service interval, on a portable motor you can just drop it off at the dealer over the winter.

[gmalicoat]

thanks for all the info. i will keep it all in mind.

[kozlov1]

I like the 2 stroke better except for the gas mixing and noise factor... It's just like everything else in life... You win in some area's and lose in other area's////. If they could build them smaller, lighter, and quicker... I would go four stroke in a minute.


Ed

[TONGA]

Is this a motor you will be pulling off the boat? 4 stokes are full of oil so laying them in your truck can be an issue

[brdhntr]

I like the 2 stroke better except for the gas mixing and noise factor... It's just like everything else in life... You win in some area's and lose in other area's////. If they could build them smaller, lighter, and quicker... I would go four stroke in a minute.


Ed

I used to think that. My new boat has a 1988 85 hp Force on it. It has to be the quietest 2 stroke I've ever heard. No problem holding a conversation at wide open. I would say sound level is almost indistinquishable from my buddies 115 4 stroke.

[Sportfishermans SVC]

I am personally a 2 stroke fan. The 4 strokes are nice dont get me wrong but they dont have enough advantages to justify the weight and expense. A properly tuned 2 stroke being run on a good quality oil will produce a small amount of smoke and run more than quiet enough for most users.

Finding a brand new 2 stroke motor will be very difficult. Basically you will be looking for new old inventory. That said, a used 2 stroke should be rather easy to come buy in the horsepower you are looking for. Despite the claims of many dealers the laws being put into effect for emissions only apply to newly produced motors, not motors already in use.