Anybody like the Evinrude/Johnson V4 engines?

[indyboy]

I am considering buying a V4 to re-power my boat. I currently have a 75 HP Merc that is dying. This company I found sells about 100 V4 Johnson/Evinrudes per year. I know these engines were made for around 30 plus years. This company cannot guarantee which year I will get but I can specify a certain year range if I choose. Are any years of these V4 engines better than others? Whatever I choose will be 100% rebuilt top to bottom with a custom wiring harness. The motor will be media blasted, painted and will have new stickers. Re-manufactured controls, motor installation and a test drive for me are also included. It's a turn key deal. Comes with a 1 year warranty. Price is $3500. This is for the 140 HP version. I am told all the V4 engines in that era (1970s until around 2000) are identical except for the carbs which create the different HP levels. Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ondarvr]

They are not identical, but are similar, there are many differences between years and HP ratings, it's not "just the carbs" no matter what anybody says.

The 140 is a pre 1984 or 5 motor, the HP rating was reducud at that time when they went to prop rated HP. So getting a newer 115 would be better than an older 140.

1998 was the last year for the crossflow, over the years they came with many different options, so how do you know what you're getting.

 

[interalian]

Regardless of the year, be mindful of the HP rating for your hull, and don't over-power it.

 

[indyboy]

Thanks for the input. My hull is rated for 150 HP. In your opinion due to the change in the way horsepower was calculated on the 140 HP vs the 115 HP would they perform about the same?

 

[Chris1956]

I would vote for the 60* V4 motor for your repower. They are the best of the V4/V6 motors, IMHO.

Just curious, why are you moving on from your Merc? Merc makes some good motors. I bought an older Merc 135HPV6, which would likely work pretty good on your boat. It was $1K used and I needed to graft the electrical connection, which was not hard.

 

[ondarvr]

Thanks for the input. My hull is rated for 150 HP. In your opinion due to the change in the way horsepower was calculated on the 140 HP vs the 115 HP would they perform about the same?

All they did was change the stickers to reflect the new HP rating. I'm not a huge fan of these motors, although I have had a few and they did OK. I like my Mercs much better now ( when it comes to older 2 strokes).

Like already stated, the OMC 60* was a much better motor.

 

[indyboy]

I have been using Mercs for years. For the price I was quoted for the V4 which includes a turn key engine change and a 1 year warranty it is tempting. What year did the V4 become a 60 degree engine?

 

[ondarvr]

What year did the V4 become a 60 degree engine?

It didn't, they made both models side by side for many years, they're completely different. The 90* was very old school technology with a few updates over several decades.

 

[indyboy]

OK...Kinda confused...How do I know if a V4 is a 60 degree or 90 degree motor?

 

[indyboy]

I assume it's as easy as looking at the head configuration and if they are at right angles to each other then it's a 90 degree motor?

 

[sutor623]

OK...Kinda confused...How do I know if a V4 is a 60 degree or 90 degree motor?

It is the degrees between pistons. The 90 degrees were much wider and had a trapezoid shaped motor cover (when looked from the top). The 60 degrees were square. Also, the 90 degrees had the tilt/trim switch on the starboard side, and the 60's had them on the port. Honestly I have seen lots of the 90 degree v4s out on the water and they all seem to have a sloppier idle.(I also have one) My three cylinder 75hp looper was my favorite motor of all time. Thing was 30 years old and ran like it was brand new.

All in all the 90degree loopers produce a ton of power, and I am pleased with mine. Would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Like stated above, make sure you get a motor that is rated at the prop for 140HP and you will not be disappointed. (Not sure what year Johnson started that.) $3500 for one of these motors fully restored is an incredible price if you ask me. PM me the info to this place if you don't mind.

 

[ondarvr]

There are no prop rated 140HP crossflows, the crossflows and loopers are a totally different design, the loopers being much better.

 

[sutor623]

There are no prop rated 140HP crossflows, the crossflows and loopers are a totally different design, the loopers being much better.

Indeed. I wouldn't buy a crossflow for that price!!
Did they rate the older loopers at the crank?

 

[Boat Doctor1]

I will buy any omc made outboard - before buying any force or mercury made product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After 40 years working on all of them!!

 

[indyboy]

What year are the loopers verses the crossflows made? I have never heard of those terms before.

 

[sutor623]

They are just different types of 2 stroke engines. Crossflows have better idling characteristics, but have heavier pistons and eat up more fuel at WOT. Loopers have a little less predictable idle, but have lighter, flat pistons that give these girls better power vs. gas consumption statistics.

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

The old saying is if you want to get there first buy a merchant if you want to get back bye a evinrude or Johnson.

 

[F_R]

To get back to your original question, the ignition system was changed in 1973. You do not want one of the pre-1973 models.