Some perspective

[joe_db]

Getting a number of gasoline powered boats ready to support a recent race, conversation turned to maintenance issues and I was amazed at the number of relatively new outboard powered boats that either were missing with engine issues, had recently got out of the shop for same., or were presently running poorly.
We are doing OK with the A4 fleet considering they are all antiques at this point .

[Dave Neptune]

Joe, were they mostly the 4 strokes? And how did the "E-tech's fair?

Dave Neptune

[JOHN COOKSON]

That's the difference between an engine that was designed and built to sell and an engine that was designed and built to last.

TRUE GRIT

[ndutton]

There's much to be said about regular preventive maintenance properly done.

[Easy Rider]

There's much to be said about regular preventive maintenance properly done.

And simplicity

[joe_db]

I think they are all 4-strokes. For a modern outboard, step 1 is to connect a computer to it.
The #1 issue seems to be ethanol created issues. Speaking of which, I just bought a new chain saw and the salesman reminded me the warranty does not cover ethanol problems and to only use the canned gas sold for lawn equipment.
I have three outboards right now and all are 2 strokes. They have proven quite reliable and easy to maintain.

[ndutton]

The #1 issue seems to be ethanol created issues. Speaking of which, I just bought a new chain saw and the salesman reminded me the warranty does not cover ethanol problems and to only use the canned gas sold for lawn equipment.

This comment sent me searching in my 4 stroke Honda outboard owner's manual. Blends that preserve the warranty are:
10% ethanol
15% MTBE
5% methanol

I think they are all 4-strokes. For a modern outboard, step 1 is to connect a computer to it

. . . then you'd better get a computer if you plan on maintaining it yourself. I have one for my vehicles, makes things pretty easy. Repairs on my truck over the past few years the computer pointed directly to were a throttle position sensor (I replaced the entire throttle body including the sensor) and a mass airflow sensor. Check engine light popped on, I connected the scanner and diagnosis was complete. Took about 30 seconds. I'm proud to report my truck has 413,000 miles on the original engine. It purrs like a kitten and doesn't even drip.