Merc 125hp 2 stroke 2+2 engine

Looking for a few opinions. I’m looking at a couple tiller boats, and both have the older 2 stroke 4 cyl Mercs on them. These are the ones that used to drop out the two top cylinders on idle, and pick’em back up about 1800 rpm. Not knowing a heck of a lot about the performance and reliability of these engines I thought I’d toss it out here and see what everybody has to say about them. Thanks all- – – – – -jerr

I’m on my second Merc 115 2 stroke 2+2 engine, and love it just as much as the first one. I got my first one brand new in 2001, and the one I have now is used, but a 2002 model. I’ve had zero problems with both. I have no problem recommending them because you will save a lot of gas when going below the 1800 rpms. But when it hits the 1800 rpms and all 4 are kickin, you better be sitting down. We have a lot of 5mph water out here (no wake), so mine comes in real handy. Here’s something else I’d recommend: if you go under 1800 rpms as much as I do, change the bottom two and top two spark plugs around every time you fill the oil reservoir. I believe that this evens out the use on both sets of plugs. In my motor, there are two plugs that just don’t get used much, so that’s why I do that.

Please ask me any other questions you have on those motors, if you’d like.

I have a 2001 125hp and I also love it. It will chugg at the lowest rpm’s, but usually kicks right up when I hit the throttle. I haven’t tried B’s tip about the spark plugs, but it sounds like a good one. I do notice differences in the condition of the plugs. I have had others recommend have it professionally tuned to keep it synchronized, but haven’t had to yet.

I had a ’99 2+2 125 on a Mr. Pike 17 console. I did’t like it. When the other 2 kicked in @ 1,800-1,900 Boat would plane out and RPM’s would jump to 3,000 w/o any throttle advancement. There was no way to keep it between 1,800 and 3,000 RPMS. Had zero problems/issues with the motor, though. Gregory

Two different buddies of mine have them.
One is a 99, 125hp
the other is a 99, 115hp.
Same motor, other than carbs.

Neither one of these two motors have been in the shop for service. They both run top-notch! Only plugs and water impellers have been changed. Flawless running and I have a LOT of hours in both of these boats.

The only drawback, is that they are carbed and they do SUCK down the gas fast!!!

Spent MANY hours trolling in both boats and never had any issues with fouled plugs or loading up.

Never experienced what Surf-Turf had for his problems. Both of these motors could be operated between 1800 to 3000 rpms at any range.

I have had my 115 2+2 Mercury since 99. Have replaced the impeller but other than that……..it runs great. I really don’t think it uses that much gas until you push it up over 4k…….then she gets thursty!!! I would buy another one in a minute.

I’m on the other side of the fence! I absolutley hated mine 115 2+2! It would start and run fine, But when I tried to restart it after it was warm…….Good luck! Had it looked at and 2 different shops said it was good! I would not hang another on any boat of mine! My .02 cents.
(which is borrowed from the bank!)

After reading these, and comments from other sites, I think I’m going to graciously decline the purchase of either of these boats. One of the reasons I don’t snowmobile is because of the two stroke stink.

Thanks everybody for all your great comments. . . .jerr