Why so many V4's being re-built?

[steviecops]

Hi<br />I'm an avid reader of all that goes on here, and I'm getting the impression that most rebuilds that people are doing, are on V4's.<br /><br />From what I've read, the V4's are great engines, so why are so many being rebuilt?<br /><br />Just curious, that's all.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[G DANE]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

I dont know for sure, but the more cylinders a motor has, the higher the risk for not noticing one running lean, or overheating, and going on with problems like that causes rebuild. Another reason is of coarse the number produced, the average hours a year the owners use them, their populatity as workhorses on skiboats etc.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

The V4 models have now been produced for more that 40 years, good reason too.

 

[Indymike]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

Just a thought but an awful lot of them were sold and the vintage of most of my reading here would suggest most are 15 to 20 years old. Mine being 31 years old. Purchased 2nd or 3rd hand. From the general attitude here most seem to want to make something old new again.<br />Thats the part I'm struggling with now is if a 31 year old motor is worth the price off a complete overhaul. I suppose it is if you consider a new motor is $6000.00 + .<br />Mike

 

[steviecops]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

Good explaination G DANE.<br /><br />I suppose it's testimony to these engines that they are worth rebuilding.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

Part of the reason may the price of new motors. Part may be the affinity of folks to vintage. That includes me. I have a 48 year old boat/trailer with a 27 year old motor and am looking for a 48 y/o motor to go on it.

 

[JB]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

As G Dane said, there are a lot of them still in service and they work.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

I looked for a long time before I found a 90hp I could stick on my boat. Was tickled to death to get it. Rebuilt it, and made it new again and a little better with the addition of Boyesen Reeds and a new VRO pump. These blocks work. But just like any engine, they need care and good maint. to stay healthy.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

Last year I had a choice of repowering with a 200 hp at $15,000.00 or getting one of my V4s rebuilt for $3,000.00. Easy decision to make.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

I'm an avid reader of all that goes on here, and I'm getting the impression that most rebuilds that people are doing, are on V4's.<br />

Thats because there are no OMC in-line 4's.<br /><br />Sorry, Couldnt help it. Just going crazy sitting here waiting on Frances.<br /><br />Seriously its because of the popularity of the motor. For years the most popular average horsepower sold each year (overall) was near or in the range of the OMC V4's. Merc sold a ton in that hp range too. Yamaha sells a lot too but they havent been in the US as long as OMC and Merc so they dont have a "history" of "older" motors in use.<br /><br />The OMC stuff has been virtually the same in the crossflow V4 line since 1973. And retro fitting is very easy.

 

[DJ]

Re: Why so many V4's being re-built?

Ditto Dhadley. Hang in there Dale.