should I switch from 2 stroke to four stroke?

[erictetterton]

I need some opinions. I have a 1990 2 stroke 50 horsepower johnson and there is a 2001 model 50 horsepower Suzuki 4 stroke for sale on Craigslist for 1500. the guy says it leaks about half a quart of oil a month but otherwise is in good shape. Its been used a lot in salt water but flushed after every use. He says good compression 150 psi on all 3. Should I change or be happy with my johnson? My motor run good but its hard to start sometimes

 

[shawnfish]

erictetterton » 30 minutes ago[/url]"]I need someopinions. I have a 1990 2 stroke 50 horsepower johnson and there is a 2001 model 50 horsepower Suzuki 4 stroke for sale on Craigslist for 1500. the guy says it leaks about half a quart of oil a month but otherwise is in good shape. Its been used a lot in salt water but flushed after every use. He says good compression 150 psi on all 3. Should I change for be happy my johnson? My motor run good but its hard to start sometimes

number 1. leaks a half a quart of oil a month.

number 2. used in salt water a lot but "says" its flushed after every use???

number 3. how does he know all 3 cyl have 150 psi?

even without those 3 things listed above I would never not in a hundred years replace a Johnson that runs good for a motor that for all you know could be nothing more than a spare anchor, and Johnson/evinrude are the best 2 stroke engines ever built bar none! I could go on and on how good they are but i'll let there track record speak for itself.

as for yours a lil hard to start do you put new plugs in every year? measure out your fuel/oil mix instead of eyeballin it? may be the plug wires need replaced, either way you say it starts and runs good so like the ole sayin goes if its not broke don't fix it. keep ur Johnson and do the basic yearly maintnence and it will run for another 20 years.....easy.

oh and not to mention what the 4 stroke will cost if it ever needs taken in to have something replaced/fixed compared to a 2 stroke being worked on....

 

[erictetterton]

Got it loud and clear. Thank u sir

 

[rickybobbybend]

Shawnfish makes good points. You can find support for both 2 and 4 strokers, but
I honestly do not see ANY reason to switch from your current OB to the suggested alternative. There are way too many unknowns and your starting issue is likely an easy and inexpensive fix.

 

[Gotem]

Unless it was a brand new 4-stroke or one still under warrenty, do not switch. Why trade in an outboard that is running good for one which could be a money pit.

 

[erictetterton]

thanks for talking me out of this potential mistake. I have had my johnson a little over a year and havent changed the spark plugs yet. I will go to advance auto and get some new plugs and see if it fixes my starting issue.

Yes i use a measuring cup to make sure my mixture is accurate. thanks again for all the help