buying 60's evinrude without tank test

[cparkerc]

What things should i look for when buying an older outboard without getting to run it? It is a 60's evinrude 5 hp, and from the pictures, looks in good cosmetic shape. I do not know very much about outboards, but at the price i'm willing to take a chance at this one. I would like to know the obvious thing to look for.

Thanks for any help.

WCT

 

[JB]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

Most important is a compression test. You should get psi readings within 10% of each other from the 2 cylinders. Don't be alarmed if the psi readings are in the 60-90psi range. The important thing is balance. Carburetion and ignition problems are pretty simple to fix, though not very cheap. Check the lower end for water.

That engine should be worth a few hundred in perfect shape. If you can't run it under load, knock off 25%. If you can't run it at all knock off another 25%.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

I assume that I'll have to spend about 110 bucks on parts when I get one of these motors that have "unknown provenance"
That includes:
point/condensers/coils/spark plugs
Carb kit
Water pump Impeller

add more if the actual water pump is shot.
add more if the lower end leaks

That's just to get the motor to the point where I can throw it on the back of the boat and have some confidence in it getting me back. I'm getting a bit too out of shape to be rowing 5 miles back, even with my "real" oars and oarlocks. Those little paddles in most boats are a cruel joke. Paddles are meant for canoes!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

you assume correctly but a little more $ 150-200 to be totally reliable. read this:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281957

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

If you can't run it at least pull the plugs and see if there's a good blue spark. You'll get used to the used boat motor selling lingo. "I think all it needs is a tune-up or (carb cleaning) or (spark plugs)" means I can't get it to run right. Buyer beware.

 

[mthieme]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

That engine should be worth a few hundred in perfect shape. If you can't run it under load, knock off 25%. If you can't run it at all knock off another 25%.

Agree.

For some reason I seem to collect 2 cylinder Mercs - unintentionally of course.
I happened across two last season. Neither was able to be run.
The first, an '87 35hp, was very needy and I was able to whittle the price down considerably. I've probably got $300-$400 in her, but she's right.
The other was a '78 402 which I picked up solely as a parts engine for the 35 (it had a SS prop). But, after checking compression, replacing much rubber, etc. - I have different aspirations for this one. This motor was $100. I've got less than $50 in it so far but am ready to fire her up (and go from there).
Two years ago I came across an '87 50hp - only needed an impeller kit (full kit though). This one I heard run beforehand (albeit dry). This one doesn't have many hours on it. All I need is a boat to put in front of it !!! A friend actually bought this for me as interest on a loan.

The moral of the story... Plan on it needing something. EB is right. Many people are clueless and many motors have issues. I've been lucky in that the ones I run across it's never been anything major (if you consider lower mounts minor!). If you can do the work yourself, it will be worth it.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

you assume correctly but a little more $ 150-200 to be totally reliable. read this:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281957

I was Assuming a motor w/ good compression without major issues:
Example:6 HP Johnson (1970)
(2) Coils = 37.98
(1) Points/Condensers = 16.99
(1) Impeller = 12.99
(1) Carb Kit = 12.99
------------------------
Subtotal = 80.95

Spark Plugs = ~5.00
Wires (if needed) = ~6.00 (from bulk reel)

Assuming that's all that is needed (basic tune-up of wear items).
XTras:
Seal Kit = 26.99
Fuel Pump = $$
Water Pump Housing = $
New power head = $$$$

 

[bonz_d]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

Here's one for ya.

Last summer I picked up a nice running 1978 35hp rude that I saw run before I bought it. Still needed a few things to clean it up and finish before it would be put on a boat. Though I thought I looked it over carefully and knew a number of things it needed, when I got it home and did a closer inspection and making a parts list I noticed that the shift detent spring was missing from the side of the block. Guess what! Almost $42.00 for that little spring from the dealer that had one. WoW!

 

[Shizzy]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

the guy I bought my 6HP Johnson from last summer hung it on a saw horse over a garbage pail. I told the guy if he put it in a pail and fired it up for me I would take it. Its a small enough engine where you can rig something up for a few seconds of run time.

 

[Mas]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

I do not know very much about outboards, but at the price i'm willing to take a chance at this one.

With any money you save from the price, buy an OEM manual and learn. Outboards are a fun hobby and as you get more knowledgeable, you'll save on repairs but doing it yourself. The knowledge you learn is also transferable to future motors too!

MAS

 

[cparkerc]

Re: buying 60's evinrude without tank test

thanks for the replies, that helps a great deal.

Appreciate it,

WCT