90 "rude for sale that is sick.... can you help?

[joetheis]

Looking at a boat with a '89 Rude 90 HP hanging off the back.
Not a GREAT deal, but a good one.
Had the boat out, motor has a issue?
Not a miss, but as we were coming out of the marina, it was as though you reduced throttle for a second, all cyl seem to fire, (I think).
Had it out in open water, ran great, leaped out of the water, seemed good power, but.......
A reduction in power is how I can state it, then back to normal. Says it will happen at times, but, then again may not for a good while????
Owner states that he had it at a shop, they ran a compression test (good), checked it all over, DIDN'T do the carbs, but replaced the fuel lines.
says it happens at ALL RPM ranges.
He added a in line fuel filter.
Sounds like he's not big on maintenance on the motor, winter storage is lower unit oil and good night.
If it had a CDI (computer) I'd say it was dropping timing, but?????
Any ideas?
I have a few days before he moves it to his bro's far away.
Thanks!
Joe

 

[gm280]

joetheis, Obviously it can't be diagnosed with what you provided, but if you really think it can be fixed and like the boat, buy it and start testing things yourself. Compression is good, doesn't tell us anything. Running on all cylinders (I think) doesn't work either. You have to absolutely verify it is firing on all cylinders. Carbs do need carb kits installed in them after thorough disassembly and cleaning. So there are thing you can test and verify. Let us know if you do purchase the setup and we can help you get it running great.... JMHO!

 

[sutor623]

Yea I always take what the previous owner says with a grain of salt. Compression isn't good until I put a guage on it. I like to pop open the LU drain screw and check for water.

Personally, I don't mind a project to a certain extent. Just keep in mind, it is mid-July, not sure where you are located, but you may be lucky to get her up and running well before summer is over. Also, YOU have the upper hand here. The market for a boat with motor problems is small, and I'm betting the seller knows that. There is a reason he hasn't had the motor fixed. Whether he takes it to the shop, or sells the setup for what it is ACTUALLY WORTH, he is going to be paying for this repair, unless you unexpectedly throw more cash at this then it is worth.

Personally, I like to get my gear up and running perfectly before I sell it. Seem to get more money out of it that way. If it were me I'd factor in worst case scenario and deduct that from my price offer. Shop out here would charge $80 and hour. With a 4 carb rebuild, possible fuel pump (VRO??) and possible electrical issue we are looking at at least $1000 (probably more) at the shop.

Make sure you check compression for yourself. You sure dont want to find out the hard way that this thing needs a re-power.

 

[joetheis]

Thanks!
I know it isn't much to go on, but I had a 5 minute RIDE, not even behind the wheel.
I was trying to have him keep it in the "power loss" rpm range, but he kept slamming the throttle down, before I could REALLY look it over.
Didn't even have time to pop the hood..........
The owner SAYS it's been doing that for over a year...........
My understanding is that it wasn't doing it at the time it was in the shop.............
He had bought a new boat, so this one was "get it out of the water" quick deal.
The boat is in Clayton N.Y. running up and down the St Law. River.
I noticed he was out every morning fishing with it.
Was thinking it'd be my 2016 boat, (sell mine).
Before I came home, I asked if I could bring my compression tester up, some carb cleaner etc., lookie it over, he kinda balked, so.................
make me wonder............................
I really just wanted the 90 for my boat and the bow trolling set up.
What is the AVERAGE life span of a 2 smoke outboard? taking in maintenance etc?
Is a 27 year old motor worth $1000 worse case investment?...................
My '91 70 HP has good compression, was well care for, but how long WILL they last???
Joe
On the fence

 

[Bosunsmate]

im careful with my money and I try to be even more careful with others so until you can compression test that motors worth scrap value

 

[sutor623]

im careful with my money and I try to be even more careful with others so until you can compression test that motors worth scrap value

Yup, me and this guy see eye to eye on this.

If he wont let you run a compression test, WALK. Some people are hiding something, but most are just weary of letting some joe schmoe dilly around with their motor. Tell him if he wants to take out the plugs and screw in the gauge, go for it. I actually show people compression on my motors mandatory, run it on the muffs, and sometimes take it to the lake. I like to look someone in the eyes and KNOW it was in working order when it left the driveway, so if something happens, it was clearly not an issue that I had pre-sale.

2 stroke motors will live longer than you or I if taken care of properly. Salt water, running hard, low oil in the mix, fuel restrictions, detonation etc. will all help the motor to be short-lived. Find that motor thats clean enough you can eat off of and don't look back.

I had a 1967 Merc 650 4 cylinder. Thats almost 50 years old!!! I did some minor fuel/cooling system and a stator on it and it never gave me an issue. The new owner is still running it!!!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Do a compression test for yourself. Bring a gauge and have the owner watch-if he wants. Intermittent power drops could be a weak fuel pump, but more likely an ignition component is on the verge of failing. Not cheap items. Parts you can easily replace. Good compression readings are more important.

 

[joetheis]

Thanks!
The lust has faded for it, as I'm home and it's 220 miles away!
My 70 'Rude runs good, know it, worked on it so...........
I'm the kinda guy that I do MORE work on something I sell, cuz I don't want to think I am ripping them off!
I dunno why he'd be worried me spinning a wrench on it, as I'm know as the guy who "fixes everything" up there?, unless there is a problem...............
I THINK looking at the parts diagram, it's a power pack, going, feels that way too.
If it's still there at the end of the season, I'll give him a price where the I got "parts purchase" room in there, if he balks, oh well!
Thanks!
Joe

 

[82rude]

Why do you want to give up your 70?They are great, reliable, efficient motors and the power diff is actually minimal between the 2.As for how long a 2 stoke will last ,there are way to many variables to consider to give a reliable answer.Suffice to say that a well taken care of motor should last a vary long time,for example I have a 1939 22.5 hp opposed twin evinrude that still runs great to this day!Im on my 4th trouble free year with my 60 hp e-tec and plan on dying with the same motor still in my possession (im 57)!I currently have the motor on a 1976 16 foot starcraft aluminum bow rider, but if I ever upgrade, I will tailor my new boat to the motor size I have which is good for me in every respect.If it was me id stay with the 70 unless your underpowered and totally dissatisfied.

 

[82rude]

p.s I might add that I went from a 1982 90 evinrude that ran perfectly to the 2011 60 e-tec and have been totally happy .

 

[redneck joe]

My SOP is if he balks, I walk.