Can you check compression on a cold outboard?

[Mwilson18]

I’m looking into buying a bass boat with a 1994 Johnson fast strike 150 HP two-stroke V6. The seller says that it will not start. I know I’m gambling here, hoping that it’s just a carb issue.
I know the psi wouldn’t be accurate, but my question is, could I do a compression test on the cold outboard just to at least see if all the cylinders are within a similar psi range?
Thank you in advance

 

[racerone]

Cold compression tests are done all the time !-----Gives all the information you need.------Make sure battery is good and fully charged.-----Make sure test gauge is a good one.------And no the throttle does not need to be open to test compression on that motor !!

 

[Sea Rider]

Yep, just crank the motor 4-5 times in a row to check individual cylinder's PSI compression numbers..

Happy Boating​

 

[Mwilson18]

Cold compression tests are done all the time !-----Gives all the information you need.------Make sure battery is good and fully charged.-----Make sure test gauge is a good one.------And no the throttle does not need to be open to test compression on that motor !!

Good to know, thank you for the quick response!

 

[tpenfield]

+1 to cold compression tests . . . not that I recommend them, but some schools of thought prefer a cold test to a warm test. Just be sure to have the throttle wide open for either test.

 

[racerone]

No need to open the throttle on that 2 stroke.-----The 2 stroke is a very simple motor but much mis-understood !

 

[flyingscott]

Pay attention to the #1 cylinder and check for spark before anything. That is an early OIS system and did not have the best quality optical eyes in them. And keep the starter turning until the needle stops on the gauge.

 

[Mwilson18]

Yep, just crank the motor 4-5 times in a row to check individual cylinder's PSI compression numbers..

Happy Boating​

Awesome, thank you!

Pay attention to the #1 cylinder and check for spark before anything. That is an early OIS system and did not have the best quality optical eyes in them. And keep the starter turning until the needle stops on the gauge.

good to know, thank you

 

[QBhoy]

Don’t need the throttle open on a 2 stroke…pointless, if you think about it.