buying used outboards

[themasterplan_320]

Can someone tell me what to look for when buying a used outboard onsite. I'd rather not take it to a marine mechanic if there are things that I could see by looking at it. I know to check the oil in the stem for water leaks. (broken seals) but thats about it. Any hints???

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: buying used outboards

Buy a compression tester. A cheap one runs about $20, and will help you determine the health of a motor. A spark tester is another inexpensive tool that will come in handy. Looking at the gear lube is a fine idea...sometimes new lube is added to conceal bad seals, so if looks like it just came from the jug beware. Good luck!

 

[myles carey]

Re: buying used outboards

ask for parts reciepts , maintanance records

 

[Solittle]

Re: buying used outboards

Scott - Welcome - Not sure what you mean by onsite - Anyway outside of the obvious the best thing you can do is take it out for an extended water test and make it do everything it is supposed to do. Run it hard, do some trolling, reverse, hard turns, turn it off & restart - do all this before you turn your wallet upside down. <br /><br />All the paper, what the owner tells you, compression tests ets., etc. won't tell you what a thorough water test will. The only way I would buy a motor without a test would be to assume that it needs a complete rebuild and base my offer accordingly.