Nissan or Mercury?

[kalebsheridan]

So I've got a choice between buying 2 used outboards. A mid 90s Nissan 5hp and a mid 90s mercury 8hp. They are both approximately the same price and and in similar running condition. I want a small motor to use as a trolling motor on my 15 ft tri hull. What would you all choose?

 

[JohnSz]

I've had a couple of 2 stroke nissans, one of which was a '97 18E, also '98 25 Merc. Don't have hands on of either of the particular models you requested. I do know that some models of the Nissan/Tohatsu's are becoming hard to find parts for. If you are leaning that way, make sue it isn't one of them.

 

[kalebsheridan]

So far it seems I can get parts pretty easy for the Nissan. I would imagine the merc would be the same. The model of the Nissan is an NS5B I believe.

 

[flyingscott]

Mercury if its in good condition. I wouldn't even consider the Nissan because of parts availability. I would not trust parts availability as Tohatsu NLAs their stuff pretty quick. The 8 hp also can have electric start put on it fairly easily.

 

[JohnSz]

I believe 2-stroke models that are still sold to other country’s can be still obtained by Tohatsu dealers.

 

[kalebsheridan]

Okay I see what everyone is saying. My other consideration is the HP. I want to use this motor for trolling between 2-5 mgh. My current kicker is a Honda B75. Ive noticed that 7.5 hp gets my boat moving really easy, but the motor barely has to get above an idle to troll. I'm fouling plugs like crazy. Would a 5 horse be more ideal as it could run at a bit higher rpm?

 

[racerone]

Plugs do not foul these days on a 4 stroke.-----Fix what is wrong with the Honda !----Thermostat in place and working ?----Proper voltage going to the plugs on this " older " Honda ??

 

[JohnSz]

Look at running a lower pitch prop. It will take more rpm to reach the same speed. Drop 2-3” of pitch, maybe more.

Agree with above, sounds like the Honda is running very rich at idle. 2-strokes will tend to oil foul running long periods at or near idle. I’d stay with the Honda.

 

[kalebsheridan]

Plugs do not foul these days on a 4 stroke.-----Fix what is wrong with the Honda !----Thermostat in place and working ?----Proper voltage going to the plugs on this " older " Honda ??

Haha I actually just fixed that today. It was running too rich. I just came across the motor from my brother and just cleaned the carbs and needed a carb and throttle adjustment. Way better now. The problem however is it is a B75 K1, so it's from the 70s. You cannot find parts for it anymore. I plan to get another kicker to spruce up so I have a replacement that I can actually have for a while and buy parts for.

 

[Lou C]

I’d always go with whatever you can easily get parts for

 

[kalebsheridan]

But yes for now I'm running this Honda. Runs like a top. Just look at the pull cord and it starts. It just won't be a motor I can use much longer due to unavailability of basic parts.

 

[kalebsheridan]

I’d always go with whatever you can easily get parts for

Exactly Lou that's been my rub. I'm a brand new DIY boater and already made that mistake. I don't even consider buying another motor unless I can get a model number and look at part availability. It's sad though because this Honda was barely used. When I opened the carb to clean it, you can tell it hasn't been opened since it left the factory. Probably sat in a barn it's hole life.

 

[racerone]

Parts are available , but it takes time to find them.-----And often parts from other models can be adapted if you know how.----Sadly , Honda and dealers would rather sell new motors than assist with the older models.

 

[kalebsheridan]

Parts are available , but it takes time to find them.-----And often parts from other models can be adapted if you know how.----Sadly , Honda and dealers would rather sell new motors than assist with the older models.

You've had better luck than me then. I checked eBay and a couple Honda parts dealers to no avail

 

[racerone]

Just have to go to my shed as I have a few of these older motors.-----But often parts from newer motors can be used.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, even large 25 year old 2 cycle outboards do not foul plugs anymore. My '98 Johnny 150HPV6 (2 cycle oil injection) will troll all day w/o issue. Not sure what the issue is with your Honda.

 

[airshot]

If it us runnung well, why stop using/ replace it ? It could easily run for many years without issue. Find and keep a spare water pump on hand, oil and spark plugs are readily availiable. I have a 1985 kicker motor, never needed anything but a spark plug and an impellor blade in all those years !! Mabwy I should have tossed it out years back just in case I couldn't parts for it in the future?

 

[JimS123]

I've been running kickers for over 50 years. Switching to the lowest pitch prop available "usually" solves the fouling question. My last boat had a 9.9 Evinrude 2-stroke and even though it was pitched to run high rpms, it still fouled. Just for laughs I tried split-fire plugs and it solved the problem 100%.

My 2 kickers now are a 3.5 and 5.0 Merc 4 strokes. It takes about 1/2 throttle to reach hull speed (6 mph in both cases) and the plugs run clean as a whistle.