rebuild or replace?

[GlasV162]

Hello all,
I have a 1990 90 hp Evinrude that is tired. I paid to have it rebuilt 2 years ago, and have since then had major problems with it--back to the shop 6 times, lock-up etc.
I took the motor to another shop and they pulled the powerhead apart and told me it wasn't fully rebuilt the first time. They didn't bore the cylinders--all they did was put in new pistions, rings and bearings and deck the block. The tech I'm dealing with now says the motor is definitely fixable and he can get it back to running the way it should. Cost will be $1400 to $1600. That's a lot of money to put into an 18- year old motor, especially since I did it once already. Is it worth it?? Thanks.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: rebuild or replace?

The killer is when they decked the block. Your saving grace is that there are thick head gaskets.

There are a couple of ways to look at this - if you're happy with the performance of the 90 crossflow, it may be hard to find a running replacement motor for that kind of money (that's in "rebuilt" condition as yours will be).

If the 90 is struggling to push the boat & load it may be worth putting that toward a newer/ bigger used motor, like a 60* V4 looper. Or a 60* V6 looper.

OE's are anxious to deal right now and typically have great deals just before, during and just after the Miami boat show. Putting that cash towards something new and having a small monthly payment might be an option. Along with several year's of warranty.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: rebuild or replace?

90 hp is more than enough for my boat--it's a Glastron V162, rated for 100 hp max.
After the rebuild, will the motor still put out 90 hp, or will it be less?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: rebuild or replace?

It'll still make the same torque, even if you bore it to .064" over. Those are good boats, you should have a lot of fun. Once you get it back up & running let us know and we'll go over the set up to make sure you get max life and power.

The importand thing in any rebuild is to determine why it needed to be rebuilt in the first place (in this case - 2 rebuilds ago). Keep in mind a damaged piston is not the cause of a failure. A damaged piston is a result of something else gone wrong.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: rebuild or replace?

Hi,
Thanks. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the rebuild; then I know what I have, as opposed to buyin another used motor. I have to keep reminding myself that the first guy I paid to rebuild it didn't really rebuild it. All he did was put in new pistions--didn't bore the cylinders. My wife and I love our V162 Glastron; very good shape for its age too!!