EFI kickers 9.9

[James Brant]

i've got an 8hp kicker on my 18 silver streak open boat. it's 15 years old, Japanese made Merc and runs great. until it doesn't. i had a lot of issues that cost about 2500 to be diagnosed and fixed shortly after purchase, including changing seals, primer bulb and fuel pump. it's ran great until last week when it starts perfectly, but won't idle when i close the choke.

i imagine the carb needs cleaning. (note i've use it every few weeks and have ethanol free fuel since i got it).

lots of guys on here will just take the carb off, apart, and clean it and probably all within a half hour. i'm not that guy. i watched a video and man, it looks far too complicated and persnicketty for me and my tool box.

so maybe it's time to bite the bullet and realize a carb motor is not for me as they require lots of attention and maintenance of that carb. the boat store people said just get a 9.9, 8hp isn't really a trolling motor, and fuel injection and electric start are available. the price to play is naturally, steep.

Suzuki, Yamaha or Merc? i want to concentrate on fishing and boating, with the least engine work as possible, beyond flushing. any thoughts or opinions welcome.

 

[JohnS]

Carbs really doing require much maintenance if you take care of them.. don't leave fuel sitting in them for long periods etc

 

[N2013]

Love my 9.9 EFI Zuke. Tohatsu’s would be a cheaper alternative. Had a Nissan (tohatsu) previous. Great.

 

[SpringVelocity]

suzuki efi 9.9. Awesome motor.

 

[barkerfam]

tohatsu.

the alternative to cleaning the carb is just to replace it. Much easier and not too expensive. I used to carry a spare carb on the boat - until I got the EFI.

HB

 

[chille51]

I bought a Merc 9.9 EFI in 2023. I did a lot of research of all the available options and made a spreadsheet etc. to compare all the specs that mattered to me. Biggest downside is weight - they are heavier, especially the XL leg and power tilt/start that I got. But other than that and maybe cost I can't see an argument for carb over EFI.

 

[RageWelding]

Theres a 209cc 9.9 merc available now that is efi. Its smaller and lighter than its predecessor. I just bought one. Havent broke it in yet so I cant give you a real review but it is fairly quiet.

 

[JohnS]

I bought a Merc 9.9 EFI in 2023. I did a lot of research of all the available options and made a spreadsheet etc. to compare all the specs that mattered to me. Biggest downside is weight - they are heavier, especially the XL leg and power tilt/start that I got. But other than that and maybe cost I can't see an argument for carb over EFI.

Simpler, lighter. Good luck fixing a injector when you're on your own in a remote location.

 

[King Crab]

i replaced a 2013 Suzuki 9.9 with a new Suzuki 9.9 EFI kicker about 6 months ago . Starts instantly, very quiet and smooth. Highly recommend. I actually like it better than my Yamaha 9.9 HT

 

[Max123]

One thing to know as well is that while an old 9.9 carb motor and a new efi still both produce the same peak horsepower, the torque curve is totally different. The EFI just totally kicks the butt out of the old carb motors in terms of low end torque - phenomenal as kicker motors where you can't really rev the nuts off.

 

[mustard tiger]

Most Peoples issues with carbs today, is from running fuel with ethanol in it. If you do, DO NOT store it with Ethanol fuel. It goes stale quickly, absorbs water and you will have corrosion in your carb. Older engines fuel system were never designed to run on it. It can eat the fuel lines and rubber parts. In Nanaimo you can buy 91 marked gas at the co-op. That's all I use in my boat.

Tohatsu makes merc's smaller engines. Better warranty with Tohatsu as well.

 

[brutus]

tohatsu.

the alternative to cleaning the carb is just to replace it. Much easier and not too expensive. I used to carry a spare carb on the boat - until I got the EFI.

HB

Yup

 

[SpringVelocity]

i replaced a 2013 Suzuki 9.9 with a new Suzuki 9.9 EFI kicker about 6 months ago . Starts instantly, very quiet and smooth. Highly recommend. I actually like it better than my Yamaha 9.9 HT

Same I had a yamaha 8hp HT and this suzuki motor is way better. Having EFI is complete gamechanger.

 

[JohnS]

Same I had a yamaha 8hp HT and this suzuki motor is way better. Having EFI is complete gamechanger.

Curious as to how it's a "gamechanger"?

 

[SpringVelocity]

Curious as to how it's a "gamechanger"?

Way easier to use. No warm up procedure.

No fiddling with carb and adjustments. Etc etc.

If you switched you wouldn't go back.