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Author Topic:   Cost to Upgrade: Mercury 90, Carbs to EFI

swist posted 08-13-2013 06:10 PM ET (US)
Can anyone give me a ballpark estimate on the cost to replace a 2004 Mercury FOURSTROKE carbureted engine with a current 90hp EFI engine?
The engine in question lists at $7300 at Ed's Superstore. I assume it just drops in with the same rigging. The net cost would include any refund from the sale of the existing engine (400 hrs), whose value I have no idea.
Is there a cheaper route with a non-Mercury engine? I am not averse to used, but assume anything of quality will not come cheaply.

Phil T posted 08-15-2013 08:37 PM ET (US)
I recall an owner here going from a practically new 90 hp to a 115 hp and the price after selling the used engine, buying and installing the new one was ~ $4k.
While I recall you having carb issues with your Mercaha, I know there are a few threads that detail maintenance, procedures that really minimize the clogging of the carb jets.
I would do some serious searches on this site. It would be worth it prior to biting the bullet.
swist posted 08-15-2013 09:22 PM ET (US)
I regularly scan articles on the site about dealing with that engine, and they have indeed helped make it mostly trouble free (my latest incident turned out to be a bad plug - never heard of that but I guess it happens).
The bigger issue is psychological. I boat in cold rough unforgiving waters. Everytime I imagine the slightest burp, I worry about the engine after having read all this stuff, even though I've experienced very little myself.
Funny thing is my last boat had a Yamaha which actually stranded me once, while the Merc never has. But somehow I always felt it was a more reliable engine. Yeah, it makes no sense. There is such a thing as too much knowledge I guess.
Phil T posted 08-15-2013 10:11 PM ET (US)
I totally get it.
For many years I ran Casco Bay 10 months of the year. Almost always solo. Doubting your equipment is never good.
saumon posted 08-16-2013 07:06 AM ET (US)
I think a 6-8hp kicker is a really good investment, given the peace of mind it provide. While I don't go offshore, I boat in a strong current area (St. Lawrence, Montreal area) and would be in trouble if the main engine dies. If your start and run it a few minutes every other outing to insure it work well, a kicker provide a reliable backup.
flippa posted 08-16-2013 10:20 AM ET (US)
I second the suggestion of the addition of a kicker motor. I run with a 9.9 on my boat, and actually find I use it quite a bit.

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Author	Topic: Cost to Upgrade: Mercury 90, Carbs to EFI
swist	posted 08-13-2013 06:10 PM ET (US) Can anyone give me a ballpark estimate on the cost to replace a 2004 Mercury FOURSTROKE carbureted engine with a current 90hp EFI engine? The engine in question lists at $7300 at Ed's Superstore. I assume it just drops in with the same rigging. The net cost would include any refund from the sale of the existing engine (400 hrs), whose value I have no idea. Is there a cheaper route with a non-Mercury engine? I am not averse to used, but assume anything of quality will not come cheaply.
Phil T	posted 08-15-2013 08:37 PM ET (US) I recall an owner here going from a practically new 90 hp to a 115 hp and the price after selling the used engine, buying and installing the new one was ~ $4k. While I recall you having carb issues with your Mercaha, I know there are a few threads that detail maintenance, procedures that really minimize the clogging of the carb jets. I would do some serious searches on this site. It would be worth it prior to biting the bullet.
swist	posted 08-15-2013 09:22 PM ET (US) I regularly scan articles on the site about dealing with that engine, and they have indeed helped make it mostly trouble free (my latest incident turned out to be a bad plug - never heard of that but I guess it happens). The bigger issue is psychological. I boat in cold rough unforgiving waters. Everytime I imagine the slightest burp, I worry about the engine after having read all this stuff, even though I've experienced very little myself. Funny thing is my last boat had a Yamaha which actually stranded me once, while the Merc never has. But somehow I always felt it was a more reliable engine. Yeah, it makes no sense. There is such a thing as too much knowledge I guess.
Phil T	posted 08-15-2013 10:11 PM ET (US) I totally get it. For many years I ran Casco Bay 10 months of the year. Almost always solo. Doubting your equipment is never good.
saumon	posted 08-16-2013 07:06 AM ET (US) I think a 6-8hp kicker is a really good investment, given the peace of mind it provide. While I don't go offshore, I boat in a strong current area (St. Lawrence, Montreal area) and would be in trouble if the main engine dies. If your start and run it a few minutes every other outing to insure it work well, a kicker provide a reliable backup.
flippa	posted 08-16-2013 10:20 AM ET (US) I second the suggestion of the addition of a kicker motor. I run with a 9.9 on my boat, and actually find I use it quite a bit.