curious question about used lower units for sale

stackz

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
830
just curious about this. I see used lower units for sale all over the place. especially ebay.

most of the time the only thing you see is "pressure tested" and "oil changed".

the very same posting will state "suggest you change the water pump impeller".

this is on like 70% of the various listings I see online. this tells me one thing: the person basically got the used engine as-is and parted it out without hearing it run because they got it in non-running condition. they simply do a pressure test and change the oil, thats it. they dont open it up to look at the gears, etc to make sure its actually in good shape internally.

I dont see how people can ask top dollar (used dollar) when they truely dont know whats going on inside?

I mean yeah, you can grip the shift lever with a vice grip and see if it shifts and then spin the prop or prop shaft to see if it moves without chattering but you wont hear any of the telltale gear whirring noises, bearing noises, etc that you get at engine speed.

any reason this seems to be the norm and people accept it and still bid on used units at these prices? I'm just trying to wrap my head around this. I mean with cars, if you're buying a used engine and cant hear it run, you pay "rebuild" price, not used running engine price.

but yet a pressure test and an oil change and people are paying used good lower unit prices without actually seeing it in action...
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: curious question about used lower units for sale

I agree with your assessment on what's probably going on. I think they do it, cuz they can. New or properly rebuilt lowers are so expensive, people are more than willing to take the gamble on a couple hundred dollar used one. If you look hard enough though, you will find some sellers that are at least willing to guarantee them for a short while.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,937
Re: curious question about used lower units for sale

Any "used" unit I sell( not many now due to SEI) I warranty for 60 days. I take them apart,install new seals,check gears and bearings and pressure/vacuum test and filled with synthetic gear lube. I only install the impeller the day its shipped as I don't want them to take a "set" waiting to be sold....
 
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