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Been thinking of upgrading my 1994 Johnson 90 Cycle to 4 Stroke. The newer engines seem pretty small in comparison to my 90. The rating on the boat calls for 90 hp, I see some older whalers with more power. Any thoughts of exceeing the horse power to say 115. Since I am new to being a Whaler owner would enjoy hearing comments on this subject. The other thought is utting more money into an old engine that is running pretty good but smokes a little and doesnt idle very well. I bought this boat from the orginak owner who never had it in salt water and took really good care of it as a sk boat. How long can these v 4 Johnsons go?
Four strokes are definitely more efficient than the two strokes but at the expense of size and weight. I don't think you'll find that the new engines are smaller but more likely half again larger and much heavier. As for your present motor, have a mechanic run a compression test and see where you stand and if it's good you are just running too rich since a two cycle doesn't have the crankcase oil to burn and cause smoke. I am making the assumption that yours is a two stroke since you have a typo in your post.
The rating of the 1987 Super Sport 17 is 100 HP, not 90 HP.
If the 90 you have now is running fine, just enjoy it. Taken care of, it can last a lifetime. It is never going to be as clean, quiet and fuel efficient as a new DFI or four stroke outboard.
Four strokes are definitely more efficient than the two strokes but at the expense of size and weight.
I would like to clarify this statement...
Four strokes are more efficient than "Older" 2 strokes.
New 2 strokes are just as clean, quite, and fuel efficient as 4 strokes and most of the time weigh less.
Allmost all new engines today, whether 2 stroke or 4 stroke are CARB3 rated. They are clean, quite and more fuel efficient than older motors.
There is a reason there are no longer many engines being manufactured today that are still based on the older 2 stroke technology.
Breezer: Unless that engine blows up I would not do it, Listen to Tom on this one. As far as having a larger engine on your whaler, I have an older 16'7" that runs a 1985 140 looper, I love it, never looked back, and would do it again...
