[McGillicuddy]

'98 is about the time Mercury brought in their Direct Inject Optimax to the market so it would be interesting to see if the one you're looking at is the first of the Tohatsu TLDI motors.

They are certainly the most popular motors on the west rim of the Pacific, and down under. One of my local dealers has dropped the E-TEC and now carries only the Suzukis and the Tohatsus. Didn't knock the E-tecs just wasn't getting the sales support from BRP he had once had. He still services them however. Said Suzuki and Tohatsu were always responsive to parts supply, warranty payouts, etc. He did mention that Nissan 25HP and under are re-badged Tohatsus.

I have no experience with them but have only heard good things.