Help with buying used outboard

[bluebrownie]

hi... looking to buy a 1978 merc thunderbolt, 9.8 hp, serial number 5123132

what should i look for when considering this...? it is on a 12 foot smokercraft, circa 1990...i am told i can't put muffs on this particular motor...no pee hole? any suggestions?
tx so much for your suggestions

 

[Nippissinger]

Re: Help with buying used outboard

Every outboard has some sort of water outlet. Look under the engine hood for a hose leading from the engine to the base cover of the engine.
The hose may be disconnected or cracked and the water does not come outside the unit properly. There will be an intake for the water above the prop some where.

If they say no water comes out, the hose may be off or deteriorating or the impeller/water pump may be malfunctioning.

Nipper

 

[cr2k]

Re: Help with buying used outboard

Also if the engine ever overheated there is a small plastic grommet under the powerhead that will melt and deform restricting the water flow to the powerhead. This is a simple repair but requires the removal of the powerhead.

Water pump impellers need to be changed every other year weather you use the motor or not...If you use the motor they wear out, if you dont use the motor the rubber impeller takes a set and will not function properly.

When you find the pee hole it may be plugged. Try a small 1/16" drill bit (or smaller) by hand in the hole to unclog it. DONT force to hard or you may damage the hose or fitting. Best done with motor running to flush out the debris.