Opinions or thoughts on mid 2000’s 90 hp 2-stroke Mercury(carb, not FI)…have had bad experiences in the past with small Mercs 25-35 2 cylinders and also with the 2 Black Maxes I had back from the 80’s era…
Have always been a Yamaha guy…but hear things from some fellas that lead me to believe that these carbed 90hp motors are pretty stout and for the most part pretty reliable…heard some isolated issues with the top cylinder giving people fits…
Anybody here put enough time on one to give an opinion? Thanks in advance…
guys up on the lake love them. You don’t see many around here. they are pretty strong for a 90 and idle far better(if set up correct) than a Yamaha 90. Personally, in that hp range I like the old crossflow Johnrudes, they are cheap, parts are cheap, idle great, plenty of power. Downside is they are a little heavy and like fuel
Loved my 02 90 hp merc. Only issues I had with it were related to ethanol fuel used by the previous owner. Had to change fuel lines, because the inside of the line was coming apart and clogging up the filter. I also removed the oil tank and premixed to take that out of the equation. It was a strong running, reliable motor and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.
Mine was over oiling and fouling plugs really quick. Instead of replacing the oil pump we decided to just remove it. It’s a little more work to mix, but one less thing to worry about failing in my opinion.
My dad has had one for several years and it has lost fire twice(one switch box and one stator) but other than that it has been great. We left the oil injection hooked up and premix. Have yet to have any fouling issues
I had a 03’ 90 hp Mercury Saltwater and it was a solid engine. It smokes a lot and is loud, but I thought it was a nice engine . . . not as nice as a 90 Yamaha, but I would own a Mercury 90 again.