Is my engine a 2 or 4 stroke?!?!?!?

Tim M · 16 May 2004, 13:43

OK, this sounds like a pretty stupid question. But; I bought a second hand outboard for our club rescue boat (it's a 1989 15hp Mariner) The bloke selling it delivered it to me about 10 minutes ago. However, in all the exitment, I forgot to ask whether it was a 2 or 4 stroke. Now, this may seem like a very stupid thing to do! Anyway, is there any easy way of telling which it is? Unlike our other three Mariners it doesn't have a sticker saying "100:1". Given the price I payed for it I would think it was a 2 stroke.
PS. You may be thinking, the easiest thing to do would be to phone the man. But, he lives in Newcastle, and I live in Norwich, and he left me 10 minutes ago, so he won't be home for several hours, and I want get this engine running!

Alex Brown · 16 May 2004, 13:51

I would guess that given the age, it's very likely to be a 2 stroke......

There should however be some sort of plate on the engine that gives the model number - with that, bung it in on Google, and you should find plenty of info on the engine though.

-Alex

Hightower · 16 May 2004, 15:20

If its got a "dipstick" its a 4 stroke.

Alex Brown · 16 May 2004, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

If its got a "dipstick" its a 4 stroke.

I hope you're not referring to 4-stroke owners now

DJL · 16 May 2004, 15:49

It’s definitely a two-stroke.

As far as I remember Mercury/Mariner introduced the 15HP Four stroke around 1998.

Keith Hart · 16 May 2004, 19:24

Hightower

That answer just earned you a click in the 'approved' on the reputation thingy...

Keith Hart

gavin · 16 May 2004, 19:27

Look at the carbs, is their an oil hose to them, smell the prop exhaust for a stroker smell, drain the carb float bowls, the fuel will be blue or red with the oil mix in

Hightower · 16 May 2004, 21:10

Thank you very much Keith, I do my best.

Andy

Rupert Bear · 16 May 2004, 22:37

I seem to be losing points and don't know why, not as if I have said anything stupid or controversial?

Rogue Wave · 16 May 2004, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rupert Bear

I seem to be losing points and don't know why, not as if I have said anything stupid or controversial?

If you need some advice an guidance on how to do that give me a call!