Choosing a 23 hp outboard motor is always a compromise between performance, efficiency and budget. LoncinThe Chinese manufacturer positions its models as reliable workhorses for fishing and recreation, but potential buyers are often confused by the lack of a long history of the brand in our country.
Many of the drivers are wondering if it really is lonchin Is it going to compete with the time-tested classics, or is it just a marketing shell? In this article, we'll go through the specifications, the design features and, most importantly, the actual experience of these units. We'll analyze many sources to give you the most complete picture before buying.
It's worth noting that 23 horsepower is a limiting factor for many categories of craft and rights, making this one of the most popular engines on the market. powerplant Here comes to the fore, as it depends not only on the comfort of cruising, but also on the safety of the water.
Design features and technical heritage
Loncin engineers didn't reinvent the wheel, but went the proven way of copying and upgrading successful designs. The 23-horsepower model is most often based on architecture dating back to the legendary Yamaha and Honda engines. The cylinder block is made of aluminum alloy with cast iron sleeves, which ensures excellent heat output and durability. OHV (top valve arrangement) allows you to get high torque at low speeds, which is critical for the output of planing with full load.
The cooling system deserves special attention, unlike the budget counterparts, where water circulates directly through the engine shirt, in the air. Loncin 23bhp. The engine is often equipped with an improved thermostat circuit, which allows the engine to reach operating temperature faster and work more consistently in winter or when driving at low speeds. The carburetor is usually installed in a membrane type, which allows the engine to work even with a strong roll of the boat without losing traction.
⚠️ Note: When running in the first break-in, be sure to check the control stream of water every 10-15 minutes of operation. Clogging the water intake with sand or algae in the first hours of operation can lead to overheating and deformation of the cylinder head.
An important design element is the ignition system, which uses an electronic CDI that does not require adjustment of the gap and provides a stable spark even when the candles are wet. However, despite the design design, the build quality at different partner plants can vary, so before the first launch, experienced mechanics recommend pulling all the threaded connections, since vibration during transportation could weaken the fastener.
Real fuel consumption and efficiency
One of the main arguments in favor of buying Chinese engines is their appetite, owners note that the 23-horsepower Loncin consumes significantly less fuel than its two-stroke predecessors of the same power. On average, at cruising speeds (about 4000-4500 rpm), the flow is from 6 to 8 liters per hour, which is a great indicator for an engine of this class, allowing you to feel comfortable on the water all day with one tank of 25 liters.
However, it is worth noting that the numbers in the passport and the reality may differ: the consumption depends on the propeller, the condition of the bottom of the boat and the style of driving. If you like to "gas" at maximum speeds, the consumption can grow to 9-10 liters. For economical movement in displacement mode, it is enough to keep the speed in the area of 3000, then the consumption will decrease to 3-4 liters.
To compare efficiency, we'll give you the flow rate by mode of operation, and these figures are averaged based on PVC and light aluminum boat owners.
| Mode of work | Turnover (rpm) | Speed (km/h)* | Expenditure (L/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle move | 900 - 1100 | 5 - 7 | 0.8 - 1.2 |
| trolling | 2500 - 3000 | 15 - 20 | 3.5 - 4.5 |
| Cruiser | 4000 - 4500 | 35 - 40 | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| maximum | 5500 - 6000 | 45 - 50 | 8.5 - 9.5 |
* Speed is indicated tentatively for a PVC boat 3.6 m long with two passengers.
Performance and reliability
Reliability is the one that owners complain about most or praise, and statistics show that the Loncin 23 hp engines are quite enduring, provided they comply with maintenance regulations. Engine resource The average time to complete the first overhaul is 1,500 to 2,000 hours, which is comparable to Japanese, except for the "luck" factor when assembling a particular instance.
The corrosion resistance of the case and the lower unit is assessed as average. Aluminum alloys are protected by coating, but owners of salt water bodies are advised to thoroughly wash the engine with fresh water after each foray. In fresh water, rust problems usually do not occur even after several seasons of active fishing. The mechanical part, including the gearbox, has proven well, cases of spontaneous activation of neutral or failure of gears are rare.
Use only quality oil for two-stroke engines (if the 2T model) or the corresponding specification for the 4T. Saving on lubrication is the fastest way to ditch a new engine.
The electric starter is very strong, but in extreme cold (below -15°C), the battery can lose power quickly. So having a manual starter (drog starter) is a must-have bonus, which is often included. The manual start mechanism of Loncin is quite soft, does not require jerks and effort typical of old Soviet engines.
Typical problems and “childhood diseases”
No mechanism is perfect, and Chinese technology is no exception, and by analyzing forums and reviews, we can highlight a number of typical problems that users face, most often complaining about the quality of the "first tier" components: spark plugs, fuel hoses and clamps, which often have to be changed immediately after purchase for better counterparts.
The second common problem is vibration at high revs. It can arise from imperfect balancing of the crankshaft or the loose fit of the lower unit to the transom plate. The third problem is the quality of the plastic fairings. It can be fragile in the cold, so you need to remove and put the hood in the winter with extreme care so as not to break the latches.
What do I do if the spark is gone?
Most often, the problem lies in a dead candle or emergency stop sensor (stop button), check if the cap sits tight on the candle. If there is no spark, replace the candle with a well-known one. If the problem is not solved, the CDI unit or ignition coil may have failed, which requires contacting the service.
Also, users note the noise of work in comparison with top brands. Noise level This is done by installing additional noise insulation inside the casing or replacing the screw with a slower version, which will reduce speed and therefore noise.
Comparison with competitors: Honda, Yamaha, Tohatsu
When it comes to choice, the question always arises: should we overpay for the brand? Let's compare the Loncin 23 hp with direct competitors. Japanese engines (Yamaha, Tohatsu) certainly win in terms of assembly, corrosion protection and smoothness of their engines, the resource of their engines can reach 3000+ hours without opening. However, their cost is 2-2.5 times higher.
Honda, as a technology leader, offers unrivaled efficiency and environmental friendliness, but spare parts are expensive and long-term. Loncin in this bundle acts as the "people's choice." You get 85-90% of the functionality and reliability of the Japanese for 50% of the price. For an amateur who rides 20-30 times a season, the overpayment for a Japanese can only pay off in 10 years, which makes buying Loncin more economically viable.
The table below compares the key parameters:
| Parameter | Loncin 23bhp. | Yamaha 20-25 hp | Honda 20-25 hp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (orient.) | Low. | High. | Very high. |
| Parts availability | Medium | High. | Low. |
| Quality of materials | Average | High. | Excellent. |
| Liquidity (b/y) | Low. | High. | Medium |
Maintenance and availability of spare parts
The issue of service for Chinese equipment is always acute. Fortunately, the popularity of the Loncin brand in the CIS is growing, and it is becoming easier to find consumables. Oil filters, candles, gaskets and carburetor kits are available in large online stores and specialized services.
☑️ Plan TA after 100 motor hours
Regular maintenance is the same as standard for four-stroke motors: the first oil change is made after running (5-10 hours), then every 50-100 hours or once a season. It is important to use oils with the tolerance specified in the instructions (usually 10W-30 or 10W-40). Valve adjustment is rarely required, usually after 300-500 hours of operation, unless the motor was operated in extreme modes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to adjust the valves by ear. This procedure requires a set of probes and a clear understanding of the thermal gap, improper adjustment will lead to the valves burning or compression falls.
The final summary: who will fit this engine?
In conclusion, the review may be concluded that Loncin 23bhp. It's a great choice for the rational buyer, for those who want to have a reliable traction on the water, but are not willing to pay too much for a logo on the casing, and it's ideal for owners of inflatable boats 3.2-4.2 meters long, lightweight aluminum boats and small cossacks.
If you're a professional athlete or you're on the water every day for commercial purposes, you might want to consider more expensive and resource-intensive options, but for an amateur fisherman, a summerman or a weekend tourist, this motor will be a true helper, and the main thing is to remember about quality fuel, timely change of oil and proper care, and then it will last for many years.
Loncin 23 hp is the “golden mean” in terms of price / quality for amateur use, requiring a slightly more attentive attitude to service than Japanese counterparts.
Choosing between a used Japanese with an unknown history and a new Loncin with a warranty, many are now leaning toward the latter. It's a smart approach to avoid hidden defects and get a predictable result. We hope this review helped you weigh the pros and cons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which petrol is better to pour in Loncin 23 hp?
The manufacturer recommends the use of unleaded gasoline with an octane number AI-92. the use of AI-95 is allowed, but does not provide significant benefits, and AI-98 can lead to overheating due to higher combustion temperature.
Do I need to dilute the oil with gasoline?
Not if you have a four-stroke (4T), which is the standard for today's 23-horsepower engines, butter is poured separately into the crankcase, like in a car, and mixing is only required for two-stroke (2T), which is increasingly rare in this class of power.
How often should you change the oil in the gearbox?
The first replacement is recommended after the first 10 hours of running in order to remove the metal shavings formed by grinding the gears, then every 100 hours or at least once a year, preferably before winter storage.
Can I put a screw with a large pitch on the Loncin 23 hp?
Theoretically, it can, but it will lead to a drop in revs and loss of traction, and can also cause the engine to detonate. It is better to choose a screw with the optimal pitch so that the engine goes to work 5000-5500 rpm at full load of the boat.