Mariner 8Hp - 2 cylinders - What year ? How long will it last ?

[beggargoutel]

All,

I am looking at a Mariner outboard.

Unfortunately, with no previous experience (this is a first boat) and not much information about the engine itself, it is hard for me to estimate how long it will last me ! ....... so I am looking for clues!

It is an 8hp Mariner - 2 cylinders, standard shatf (i.e not long). It has a generator; is a 2 strokes and has throtle on its tiller. It is a pull start. Forward and reverse gears.

The only reference I have found on the engine is <span style="color:red"> </span> 8MLH/Alt

<span style="color:black"> </span>
It starts well and seems to run fine (in a tank).

I believe it is between 6 and 8 years old.

Would anybody recognise the model ?
How old can it be ?
Is it a good engine ?
If you are using this model or similar, how long do they last ?

Many thanks in advance.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[twisterkai]

If it starts and runs ok then there's nothing to worry about. The biggest problems with 2 strokes are the cooling channels within the engine block. It's worthwhile stripping down for a full clean out every now and again. Alternatively, if you've got the facility to flush through with fresh water, then do it as often as possible.

If you look after it and keep it regularly serviced it'll give many more years of good service.

 

[capt_courageous]

I think that this size of Mariner was a re-badged Yamaha. As the last post says with reasonable care it will last a fair while longer. I always ran my outboard in fresh- water at the end of the season and gave it a good dose of anti-fogging lubricant prior to layup. It finally died of bunged up water ways after many years of good service. I did not strip it down regularly so paid the price. I just could not get various bolts undone without stripping them. I should have read the instructions.

 

[Joe_Cole]

There should be a serial number on it somewhere. If you can find it then a dealer should be able to find the date for you.

If you can't find the number you could post a picture on here and someone may be able to give you a guesstimate of the age.

I've got a Mariner 8hp, it's now 5years old. It's been a good engine though I suspect that Japanese engineering is better. It's let me down twice and on both occasions it was down to manufacturing/design flaws that I felt should not have occured. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I can't really say how long your engine will last. It's all down to usage, storage and maintenance. Mine should be OK for several more years, but I will aim to replace it before I have real problems.......which involves crytal ball gazing!

 

[chippie]

I think it is probably a rebadged Mercury or Yamaha.
iboats.com has a forum specifically for outboards, that may help.

 

[PBooth]

I had the same model on a previous boat, it is a rebadged Yamaha unit and it worked well for me. I ended up stripping it down to check the waterways and snapped a head bolt in the cylinder block! So I would recommend leaving alone unless there is a cooling problem. I had used a central heating flushing liquid in the wheelie bin full of water, and when I got the head off, the waterways were all totally clear. (you could say I was slightly annoyed!) I traded in the Mariner against a 4 stroke Tohatsu and the dealer said that the Mariner was about 25 years old (from the engine Number). Be very careful with steel bolts into alloy, they will shear off very easily and when you replace them , put a little marine grease on the threads.
Peter