What's better?

cattlejack · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 6:09 pm Post subject: What's better?

What's better? 2004 Honda 90 with only 190 hours or a 2004 Honda 90 with 1500 hour on it?

CaptMac · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 6:41 pm Post subject: honda 90

i have a 2000 honda 90 with over 3,000 hours and so im partial to the honda outboards but believe most 4-strokes nowadays are dependable with proper use and maintenance.

which one is better depends upon at minimum a visual inspection under the cowling for signs of corrosion, maybe a compression test of the cylinders and a trial run.

fresh or salt water use? flushed after each use if saltwater? what size boat have they been pushing? any maintenance records?

good luck with your selection!

Very Happy

South of Heaven · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 6:56 pm Post subject:

We need more info Jack.

thataway · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 8:25 pm Post subject:

Both have carburetors. I would rather have the low hour- 190 hrs engine.

The high hour engines like CaptMac, are in good shape because they are probably run at least several times a week, if not every day in charter service.

When you are buying a used engine, you don't really know how it was cared for. If only in fresh water--and documented--that is a plus.

Salt water--was it really flushed each time? A friend of mine bought a Honda was told it was flushed each time--had low 800's hours--and the cooling system was destroyed by corrosions--he had to buy a new engine.

Has the engine oil been changed each year, even thought there were only 20 hours use each year? If the engine was not used for a few years, was it properly fogged, and the oil / gear lube changed just before the storage?