Used motor checkup

[packman35]

I just purchased a used boat with a E115TLET motor on it. This is the motor I posted earlier about with the questionable compression.

I have to say the engine runs like a top. Starts easy (hot and cold), idles great, and has good power. I plan to decarb and check the compression.

I have a service manual on the way. I am looking for suggestions on what checks I should do since I don't really know the motor's history. Impeller? Carb clean? How hard is it to change the impeller? Sounds like it involves pulling the LU and possibly midsection. Anything to check while I have the LU off? The LU lube was changed before I bought it but I plan to check it again for water intrusion.

Oh yeah, and the VRO alarm isn't working. High on my list to fix ASAP

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Used motor checkup

Compression chack is most important. After that run it on the hose and watch temperature. I would then look at the spark plug color. It should be dark brown.

if you have a water pressure gauge, the motor should have 10PSI at idle and 25+ PSI at WOT. This should be checked in the water, under a load. If compression, operating temp, water pressure and spark plug color are good, I would use it for a trip, and then recheck spark plug color. If water pressure is low, install new impeller. if plugs are off color, clean carbs, if water pressure good and motor hot, replace thermostats.

Very important to check all alarms. My '98 V6 Johnny has overheat, low oil in resvoir, no oil in OMS pump and Check Engine(fuel restriction). if that V4 motor is a 93 and up it should have all but the fuel restriction alarm. The manual will tell you how to test each circuit and sensor.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Used motor checkup

If it were mine, I'd put a water pump kit and carb kits in w/o even thinking twice. In my opinion, carb kits are sort of optional, water pump kit isn't.

 

[James R]

Re: Used motor checkup

Basics. Check the compressions. If ok, remove and clean the carbs. Remove the lower unit and check the impeller, replace if signs of failure or wear. If pump components are scored replace them. Drain the LU oil and check for water ingress, milky color, Check for metal particles in the oil which indicates possible failure.
Run the motor and check temp', water flow from the telltale. Put the boat in the pond and check performance. Idle, Idle when in gear, pick up and top RPM.
A manual is a blessing.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Used motor checkup

Good advice so far, but here are a couple videos so that you will know what you are looking at while you do it for the first time.

As most have agreed, I usually clean the carb, rebuild the water pump-tstats and impeller, change the gear lube, change plugs, clean connections for the starter circuit-battery, and flush the cooling circuit on any new outboard that I aquire.

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/waterpump.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/videos/removecase.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/waterpump.wmv

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/TMDsVideoChronicle2.wmv

Also have a read through the FAQs, as there is a wealth of information there.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Used motor checkup

impeller yes always. I never rebuild the carb on a good runner. If it's questionable then yes, but if running good then why? Lower unit lube yes always. Lets you check for water and particles and you also know it's got good fresh lube. Take the prop off and check for string on the shaft.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Used motor checkup

Good advice so far, but here are a couple videos so that you will know what you are looking at while you do it for the first time.

As most have agreed, I usually clean the carb, rebuild the water pump-tstats and impeller, change the gear lube, change plugs, clean connections for the starter circuit-battery, and flush the cooling circuit on any new outboard that I aquire.

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/waterpump.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/videos/removecase.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/waterpump.wmv

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/TMDsVideoChronicle2.wmv

Also have a read through the FAQs, as there is a wealth of information there.

I second this post !!!