Re: How would you check it out before you buy?
Well the three main things you want to check for are compression, spark, and fuel. That being said any or all of these may be on the fritz when you check out the motor, but can ususally be fixed with realtive ease depending on the make/model of the motor. Ironically, the newer the motor, the more expnesive and therefore less worth while it would probably be to fix. However, if they're between '55 and '74, or so, you're in luck. OMC motors from that era are cheap and easy to fix.
If they can start the motor(s) in front of you and run them in a TEST TANK (not muffs) that would be ideal. That way you could see it start, idle and shift into/out of gear and perhaps most importantly that it pumps water to cool the engine. If they motors are not running, no need to wory there are lots of things you can still check. Try spinning the flywheel CLOCKWISE (only) by hand, or with the pullstarter, for a crude test of compression. You should feel a tight sort of "lub-dub" action. If you do the compression is probably ok. Of course it would be best to take a compression gauge with you to see that the cylinders are within 10% of eachother, but that may not be possible. Even if the compression is a bit weak there are some easy treatments/tricks you can do to improve it if need be.
To test the fuel system, try pumping the bulb on the fuel line until it becomes firm. Let it sit for a few minutes and check it again. If it's still stiff, the fuel system probably doesn't have any major leaks.
You can do another rather crude test for spark by removing the spark plugs and reattaching them to the spark plug wires. you can then ground the plugs on the engine block and pull the starter a few times. you should get a snapping white/blue spark. again this is only a crude test, but it can yield some basic info.
These are only crude tests that you can do quickly while checking out a motor, but the're a good starting pont. You should resign yourself to spending an extra $100-150 on top of the price of the motor to get it into tip top shape. These motors can/do have several "consumable" parts which can/should be replaced regularly. Don't count on the previous owner having done so. These parts include a carb kit, impeller (Waterpump), tune up kit (points and condensers), spark plugs and spark plug wires. They're all easey to reinstall and you can buy them here at iboats. There are tons of tips, directions and pointers on how to install them all, right here. Hope that helps some. Keep us posted. Pics are nice. Good luck.
