Home › Forum › Ask A Member › 80’s/90’s 50hp opinions? › Re: 80’s/90’s 50hp opinions?
Well
my pick would be the 1980-1988 models. Stick with the non oil injected, although the injection is easily cancelled if that is what you want. The only downfall of these engines is the small gearcase, fine for normal rigs but a bit light duty for heavier rigs/skiing, etc.
These engines were redesigned in 1999, and I was never a big fan. Yes, the split plastic pans come off easily giving good access to everything for repairs, and changing the thermostat is a simple too. But, these engine got the lousy plastic top carbs and a ridiculously complex sync procedure. The early ones also got the lousy UFI ignition (powerpack under flywheel), making pack replacement a royal pain. The manual tilt system is unreliable and the parts are very expensive. The gearcase has a cheesy plastic shift rod cover that is quickly consumed in salt water, otherwise this gearcase is more robust than the 1980-1988 models.
One good reason to consider the 1989 and later models is if you need power trim/tilt. The newer motors have a nice system, and repair parts are available. The 1980-88 models had an external add on system that won’t stand up in salt water, and it will be harder to repair/find parts for.