sherwindu wrote:
There is no doubt that the 4 strokes give better fuel economy.

Yep.

However, on the
down side, this is accomplished by designing the carburetor jets to be very
fine, resulting in periodic blockages of the jets, at least in my experience with a
Yamaha T9.9.

On my (still new) Honda 20hp, it's not *just* the jets. The entire
design of the carburetor is far more complex than any 2 stroke o/b
I've ever owned. And a rebuild can be more expensive than buying a new
carburetor, which I've done already.

Another problem I'm having is impellers. This engine eats 'em for
breakfast and I don't know why. I've decided to stop flushing with a
garden hose bracket and flush only in a barrell, just to see if it
makes a difference. Otherwise, I may start buying impellers in bulk.

In a nutshell, I'm happy (amazed actually) with the fuel economy. But
this is the highest maintenance outboard I've ever owned (and that
includes quiet a few big ones).

Rick ---- who's had no problem over the years with Mercury -shrug-
whut's up with that?

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
What are you guys getting for fuel efficiency on your four strokers?
In Gph if you please.

What about maintenance costs - general operating costs?

It would appear that I might have to switch out of ETEC and go with
#$%^$%%^#$^$%#$%$^&* Yamaha's or Suzuki's to get the boat I want.
Which annoys me no end.

No, I will not go with Mercury under ANY circumstances.