Yamaha 90hp vs Mercury 90hp

[twright55]

And by that, I mean the 3cyl looper 90hp Merc., small bore.

They are both the same displacement, power and overall weight.

Which one is better, and why?


I am looking at 2 motors and trying to decide which one to buy.

The late 80's Merc is actually a 70hp, but 90hp carbs will solve that. It's clean and runs.

For HALF the price of the Merc, I can get a '99 yamaha that is in similar condition (cleanliness, corrosion, etc.), EXCEPT it has one melted piston. So for about $150 additional for a new piston and gasket set, I MIGHT end up with a good motor. But I am not sure why the piston melted, or if there is something I might need to be worrying about there.

Can't decide which motor to pursue.

[JP Love]

2 good motors but I can tell you the Merc is a reliable verry good engine and lot more than Yam on the market.. Built since 1987 the Merc 90 3 cylinders models the majority still running today.. My 1994 run like a new and I buy a 2008 and satisfy.. Oil ang gasoline a good tune-up and your ok for the summer..

[Superbender]

I almost agree both motors are excellent both are worth about the same,merc is a little faster,yammies have better ignition,just my 2 cents good luck with decision

[rdkvector]

I would buy the Yami, I've never heard anything good about the small Merc. I've heard people on here state that they would rather have a 3 cyl Force than the Merc. I'm a Merc fan too.

[JP Love]

I would buy the Yami, I've never heard anything good about the small Merc. I've heard people on here state that they would rather have a 3 cyl Force than the Merc. I'm a Merc fan too.Is not the small 3 cylinders model the 90 it a large displacement..

[JP Love]

I almost agree both motors are excellent both are worth about the same,merc is a little faster,yammies have better ignition,just my 2 cents good luck with decision

With my setback is a real good performer,,,,http://i48.tinypic.com/zv36ro.jpg

[Markus]

The Yamaha is the better engine by far if you want to go fast. It has removable cylinder heads and can be spun quite high. In addition, it has Yamaha ignition and Yamaha build quality.

It used to be the king in the 1.3 liter offshore racing class over here, followed by Tohatsu. Nobody bothered with Mercury.

[JP Love]

The Yamaha is the better engine by far if you want to go fast. It has removable cylinder heads and can be spun quite high. In addition, it has Yamaha ignition and Yamaha build quality.

It used to be the king in the 1.3 liter offshore racing class over here, followed by Tohatsu. Nobody bothered with Mercury.Sure if you want modified the engine the Yam and Tohatsu is more easy because the head... Dont bull**** to say Merc ignition is a Junk I' Am mechanic and no issues and problem at my shop on this model since 1987.. We talking stock engine the 90 Merc is a solid one.. Want modified go Yami or Tohat.. You know I love Yam and Tohatsu too..........

[twright55]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I didn't respond earlier, but I WAS paying attention to your advice, I assure you ;)

Anyway, I found an old, ugly Johnson v4 ('89 90hp) that runs with perfect compression for $350.

It's a little heavier and more fuel hungry than I was originally planning on, but I couldn't pass it up ;)

[rdkvector]

That OMC is a good choice, the extra weight will be made up for in extra power and torque.