I'm not the dictionary on this, but I recall that the scientists at the OMC test center had trouble enough syncing the 8 carbs in those big V8s, much less skeeter at the outboard repair shop. <br /><br />I beleive this was in an article in Boating Magazine regarding the rise and fall of OMC marine, and listing the big V8 outboards as the start of the fall for the big O and the move from long loyal customers from Johnson/Evinrude to yamaha and honda.
Stoker,<br /><br />I do not really agree with Jersey Jim. The V-8 was put into production LONG before OMC started having serious problems.<br /><br />There is nothing really mysterious about that engine. It's basically two V-4's together or a V-6 with two extra cylinders. Kind of like what a 4.3L Chevrolet V-6 is to a 5.0L V-8.
stroker,<br />djohns has it about right in my book... only thing I would be a tad concerned about is fuel use.<br /><br />BIG carburated 2-strokes (6's AND 8's), tend to be somewhat thirsty, but no less reliable than any other 2-stroke, given similar care and uses.<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan
stroker...<br /> i own a evinrude 250 v8 and love it!i"ve done my research on it though. they dont like low rpm's. mine is set up to turn 6700 rpm's. also, just had my carbs syncronized. run's better now.i really don't think they are too thirsty(given their size).i have a 3000lb baja and would go through about 50 gallons in two day's while on vacation(always on boat.there are others on this board that know alot more about this motor then me. right now i'm learning how to repair a broken prop shaft!BTW...if you do get it, be prepared to answer ALOT of questions at the ramp! it sure is a conversation piece!...james
almost forgot...<br /> go to www.screamandfly.com and do a search on OMC V8's. make sure you have a couple of frosty beer's and a cumfy chair. there is a s#!t load of stuff on the almighty V8.....james
Its important to remember, since it was brought up, that the V8 was NOT the demise of OMC. In fact when OMC quit selling them in the recreational market in the US they were still a huge seller overseas.<br /><br />The actual downfall of OMC started way before the V8. I grew up when OMC was a very service oriented company. That was very evident at the dealer level. Then the company was run by the bean counters. All they cared about was the bottom line and sell sell sell. Never mind the ongoing problems that could be easily fixed. <br /><br />The same thing happened to Aqua Power and then the parent company - Morse Controls. <br /><br />The V8 is a great motor. Set it up like a V8 and it will live forever. Set it up poorly and you will be very unhappy. And it will be unhappy too.<br /><br />Good luck!
