I don't agree with this - many years ago auto engines went through the same transition from simplicity to computerization, sensors, etc. long before outboards did and I believe that, statistically speaking, they are more reliable than ever, not to mention better on gas, and longer maintenance intervals.<br /><br />It is hard to make objective comparisons in the marine outboard world because there are relatively few (compared to autos), and no organizations like Consumer Reports or others which track reliability.
Reliability and efficiency may be good today but finding reliable electronic parts in 50yr isn't likely to happen (unless the industry changes). Semiconductors run every computer out there but still can't sit on a shelf 40 yrs without degrading. In recent yrs the semiconductory industry is learning that new old stock (NOS) isn't meeting orginal specs when going back for qualifications. It's one of the reasons the Concord jet was taken out of service. They tried to get NOS semiconductors re-certified and they couldn't pass...a very slow electrolysis did them in. Only one company in the world (Harris) had NOS electronics on the shelf for that bird and they were the original manufacturer. At this point, technology isn't available to make a few new parts and still be cost effective. That is going to sink the ob motor supply because outboard motor industry is a pin head speck on the wall for semicondutor manufacturing. Virtually nobody in the world ramps up to make chips specifically for outboards. The way see it, new motors today may not be worn out in 50 yrs but finding reliable electronics to fix them will be near impossible.
I'd like to hear some responses to this....<br />Everyone skipped it like it was hot coals.
Coils are somewhat the exception compared to semiconductors. You can buy a generic automobile coil for a 1965 75hp OMC and it works fine (I did it when the coils were no longer available from OMC). Coils from a lawn mower engine fit my 1940 SeaKing, etc. Old technologhy coils are more plug and play than chips are. I was looking at a new Ford Explorer engine the other day and each spark plug had a coil on top of it. I wonder when obs will start doing that?
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