Motor Hours

[Mark Sr]

What is the average amount of hours you can get out of a 98/225hp before you think its tired.How about compression in cylinders.

Mark Sr

[fitz73222]

Mark,
There are many things that contribute to outboard longevity or early death. If I had to rank them it would be fuel and oil quality, correct propeller (RPM at full throttle), timing, regular maintenance and general environment.  Of course, if the engine has design or engineering flaws from new, as did late 90`s-00`s model OMC`s, those issues will prevail. I have seen outboards push 2000 hours in marine patrol and commercial use with good maintenance. This is my experience. I`m speaking for the two stroke camp. 4 strokes may prove to be the best yet, time will tell. In either case our next obstacle will be E 15, 20....85 in our fuels.

fitz73222

[Mark Sr]

Thanks Fitz

The boat I'm looking has a

 a 98 Evinrude 225 Oean Pro.It has around 400/450 hrs on it.In boat motors,I didn't know if that is excessive hrs or not.

Mark Sr

[cdoyal]

My '97 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 has 450 hours on it with good compression on all cylinders.

[resyak]

Hi

450 hours isn't too much.
If the motor is in good condition it depends mainly on the use and maintenance.
Was it used in salt water ? Was it flushed after use ?
Open the cover and have a look, is it repainted, the screws are rusty , or does it look good ?
Make a compression test thats especially important for 2 strokes.
How does it sound running, any knocking noises ?

Hope my answer is helpful.

Regards

[RickK]

The 250 Yammer on my 230 is original - '91 and the hour meter had stopped on 390 or so hours when I bought it, if I remember right.  It purrs like a kitten.  It had the brain replaced when I was going through the purchase process (crapped out on the test drive) but has been solid since.

[Mark Sr]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I'll have to get a compression check done.Does anybody know what the compression numbers should be for a Evinrude 98/225 saltwater series motor.

Mark Sr

[Capt. Bob]

Mark,

The exact number is not the important thing (it changes with time) but that  the lowest reading  is not less than about 80% of the highest.  

The readings can also change between banks (port and starboard).
When I last checked my 96 200 Rude, the difference was about 5 psi but the service manual says up to 15 psi is acceptable.

I cannot locate my numbers but memory is they ran around 115 to 120 psi.
In any case, they seem to be acceptable (and the motor runs well).

Good luck.

[seabob4]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I'll have to get a compression check done.Does anybody know what the compression numbers should be for a Evinrude 98/225 saltwater series motor.

Mark Sr

Mark,
You can do it yourself.  Buy a compression tester from any auto parts store (God, I hate to say it, I bought mine at WalMart! ).

-Remove cowling
-Remove coil wire from distributor
-Remove plug wire and plug from any cylinder, you don't need the firing order
-Screw in tester fitting
-crank motor for a few seconds (she won't turn over, coil wire is disconnected!)
-take reading on gauge and record
-repeat for all cylinders and compare

I start on the port side head, lowest cylinder first, as that is usually the hardest to get to, kind of like eating your vegetables first to get them out of the way.  I also make a "map" of the powerhead layout and record my readings next to each cylinder.

Hopefully they all read within 5-10% of each other.  Anything outside of this margin of error, note and re-post.  But if she is running fine, you should see readings close to one another...

The tester kit, which includes threaded adapters to fit different size plugs is around $30.  Plus, you get to familiarize yourself with your motor, and get some satisfaction out of doing it yourself...

Bob C

[Mark Sr]

Thanks for all the input guys.I haven't seen the boat or motor yet.I'm trying to set up a road trip for Friday.Will let you know how I make out.

Mark Sr

[Mark Sr]

What do you guys think about these numbers.

Top Left

cold   squirt oil/run 15 mins    after 10 mins/sitting

cyl 1-89           95                                 100
cyl 2-96           96                                 99
cyl 3-85           85                                 95

Top Right

cyl 4-95           100                                100
cyl 5-95            99                                  99
cyl 6-86            96                                  96

Do you think these numbers are good? Notice the last set are pretty close.

[GoneFission]

All those are within a reasonable margin of error.  I would say the rings and cylinders are in good shape.     Look over the electrical connections for corrosion.  

Don't forget to look the lower unit over carefully - after the powerhead, it's the most expensive part on the engine.  Check for oil leaks and look carefully for any gear housing cracks.  Leaks can let water in and cause lots of problems.  Cracks can be from hitting rocks or other underwater prop sharks or enen from water in the inside freezing in cold weather (unlikely in Florida - but maybe this week - global warming and all).  

If you buy her, go ahead and change the lower unit oil, put a new water pump/impeller in, along with a new set of thermostats to be on the safe side.  If the boat does not have a water pressure gauge, put one in so you can see future trouble before it finds you.  

I'm still running my '87 Merc V-6 Black Max 200 on my 22-2CCP.  Besides the usual start-up smoke that is common for this model, it runs great. Besides, the smoke keeps the bugs away when you're leaving the dock.  Maintenance (besides the usual annual stuff) has been a stator (duh - have you seen a mid-80s Mercury V-6 that didn't get a stator?), a diode, one switchbox, and a oil tank cap (oil tank cap cracks are another common issue).  I run the Pennzoil Marine XLF (Extended Life Formula) oil with the stock Mercury oil injection, but always put some oil in the gas tank just in case...  I've been through a bunch of props - now running a Quicksilver HighFive 19 pitch that is the best I've had yet.  Not bad overall, and Max has never failed to get me home.    

Hope this helps - good luck!

[Mark Sr]

Cap'n John,

That helps alot,gives me piece of mind.I'm more concern with shape of motor than anything else.I'm going to travel 500 miles and don't want to waste mine or his time.

Thanks
Mark Sr

[cdoyal]

Mark-
I've come across a lot of people who have good things to say about that motor. Simple, reliable, etc.