Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

SCduckhunter

Seaman
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
64
I had some problems with my 85 Johnson..Got a good deal lined up...its for a 96 evinrude 15hp rope start...When i go to look it over in person, what should I be looking for..IE L/U oil color and what numbers are good for a compression test Im sure with the rope start itll be in the 80# range or so I just would like to know perameters...and what else I should look for...Thanks in advance
 

iwombat

Captain
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Jul 12, 2006
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3,767
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

Take a look at the plugs, and see if they're a nice tan (good), oil fouled (bad), etc.
Compression test - check for even numbers. And nothing below 80 for sure.
LU, water intrusion, discoloration of lube etc.
Water stream strong. Check temp of block with a 4-count.
Engine. Check for signs it's been worked on. Chipped paint on bolts, etc. If so, ask what was done.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

Check the L/U for any water, The compression should have no more than 10 % variation between cylinders. There are no specs on compression. The spark should jump a 7/16" open air gap on a spark tester. If possible, take it for a test ride.
 

SCduckhunter

Seaman
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Sep 9, 2013
Messages
64
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

Ok forgot that i should check plugs...Im bringing my gas tank and line and barrel to run it in..he claims it runs.. I may take my 85 (well just whats still there) and put the 96 on it to take a test run...what parts, if any are interchangeable..ie L/U, power pack, coils......Same Hp just 11 years newer..Im hoping its a good motor cause its only 300$ and I cant buy the parts to fix my 85 for that!! 80# or better and no more than 8%variance lol..heard....Im optimistic but not real hopeful itll work out...something has to be wrong for it to be priced so low
 
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iwombat

Captain
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Jul 12, 2006
Messages
3,767
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

It's ok. I forgot spark check. D'oh! Just don't let the owner run the rpms up in the tank on you - keep it under 2k. Why do they always want to do that?
 

nwcove

Admiral
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May 16, 2011
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6,293
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

not a bad price.....but jmo.....the 96 isnt nearly as well built as the 85.
 

SCduckhunter

Seaman
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
64
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

I know it but machine shop said the block i took em to hone was buggered up worse than they initally thought...it looks like im going to have to bore it over..and since bored over pistons are 100$ a piece and i cant find em anywhere if my wife would let me spend that kinda money on a 27 year pld motor..its easier to get a running 96 for cheap and put a few bucks in it to tip top shape with less $ in it total...
 

the machinist

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 7, 2002
Messages
711
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

Not many parts of the post 93s will fit the pre 93s, spark plugs & lower unit. Complete different motor, but easier to work on.
 

SCduckhunter

Seaman
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
64
Re: Looking to buy a new motor..need some advice...

....so the lower unit will fit?. I know that mine is perfect! ive been plowing through your site for months now....if i buy this motor...ill prolly part out the j15rcob....all but the block of course
 
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