buying a used outboard

[Bill1974]

So what are some of the musts when looking to buy a used outboard from a engine supplier or a person to person sale?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: buying a used outboard

Compression test and take it out for a long test drive.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: buying a used outboard

Depends on the amount of money Im spending, but as stated compression test, and run it. No test better than that. That is, on the water, not on muffs. Alot of motors run fine on muffs, but fail when under load on the water. Run it hard, make sure it doesnt over heat. Idle it for a while, ensuring it runs smooth and doesnt die. Do some cold starts, some warm starts. That will give you an idea about the reliability of the motor.

 

[jason011]

Re: buying a used outboard

compression test, check all the wires over to make sure there are no breaks or cracks, take the drain screw out of the lower unit and check for excessive filings on the end of it, if there are lots of filings there could be a problem with it, should almost check to see if the prop will come off easily because if your boat is not roughly the same size and weight as the one that motor come off of you will probably have to replace the prop ( that is if the motor comes with one), if you cant get it to a lake or something you should put it in a barrel or something and start it up to make sure its pumping water too, when checking the compression make sure that the difference between cylinders is within 5% of each other, i have bought motors with 90psi but usually i prefer them to be 100psi or higher to be sure you get a good reliable motor, hope this helps

 

[Bill1974]

Re: buying a used outboard

Thanks for the tips. I will put your info to good use when I go to replace my main engine.