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A Beginner's Guide to Four-Stroke Motors

Sep. 30 2022 Buying Guide By Thayer's Marine

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A four-stroke motor may be the perfect option for powering your boat. Read on to learn about this popular power option, then visit Thayer's Marine to explore four-stroke motors for sale. Our dealership is located in Norwich, Connecticut.

The Design

The engine on a four-stroke outboard motor relies on intake and exhaust valves. An air-fuel mixture goes through intake valves and into the combustion chamber. The exhaust exits the engine by going through the exhaust valves.

The lubrication system on a four-stroke motor is similar to that on a car engine, including an oil pan and filter.

The Maintenance

Four-stroke motors will need regular maintenance. For example, they will need periodic oil changes to ensure proper performance. The more you keep up with regular and preventative maintenance, the longer lifespan the outboard motor will have.

The Size

Thanks to the valve train, four-stroke motors tend to weigh more. They can be heavier than a two-stroke engine with the same amount of horsepower. 

Some four-stroke outboard motor manufacturers are focusing on reducing the weight, however, and it is possible to find lighter models.

The Benefits

There are plenty of perks to four-stroke motors.

They include:

  • A quiet performance, which is ideal for those who enjoy fishing.
  • Good fuel-efficiency, particularly when idling through no-wake zones or voyages of several miles.
  • Low emissions.
  • High-end computer engine management systems.

For more information or to explore four-stroke motors for sale, contact the experts at Thayer's Marine. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Norwich, Connecticut. We also proudly serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.