Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

[rgballard]

I have a question that I think I know the answer too, but I wanted to run it by everyone here. Please give me your input.

I want to purchase an late 50's model ~35hp Evinrude/Johnson motor for my (new to me) 1959ish Alumacraft Deep C. I found one for sale that is a Late 50's Johnson 35hp. I comes with controls and electric start. It does not have the gas tank (not the pressurized tank). The current owner says it starts every time on the first pull or first try with the electric start. He does not want to run the motor because of the cold weather (I'm in Michigan). He is asking $350 for this motor.

I guess my instincts say walk away, but this motor is what I have been looking for. Is there a way to tell if this motor is a good motor running motor with out running it? Besides looking at the tell tale signs (like oil leaking from the lower unit, cracks, dings, croded wires, other obvious things) what else might I look for? I think that $350 is an average price for this motor, might even be on the low side, so do I even bother with testing it?

Would appreciate any advice that is out there. As of right now I am going to walk and contact the guy in the spring and see if he still has it for sale and will run it for me then. Thanks.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Yes, you can easily do a compression test and spark test, both can be done with a borrowed or purchased compression tester from autozone and a 6$ spark tester from the same. If your tester shows both cylinders are within 10% of each other, and hopefully over 115psi, you can get it to run. However, one thing that cannot be tested except pn a boat at wide open throttle, is whether the clutch dog will hold gear at full power.
My suggestion is check the compression and if the cylinders are nice and even, go from there. If he won't let you test compression, I'd be leary of buying it except for a parts motor. I'd also want to crack the lower unit oil drain screws. If there's water or milky oil, I'd probably not pay $350 for it.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[rgballard]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Thanks for the advice JBJ.

I have only purchased one motor in my life time. Is it common to have someone drain (or just pop the plug so see the oil briefly) on the lower unit to inspect? I understand it can give you good info, but feel weird asking someone to do this.

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Thanks for the advice JBJ.

I have only purchased one motor in my life time. Is it common to have someone drain (or just pop the plug so see the oil briefly) on the lower unit to inspect? I understand it can give you good info, but feel weird asking someone to do this.

Thanks,

Ryan

Yes, these are common checks. Agree on a price, contingent it all checks out. That way he knows you're not wasting his time.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Just because he lives in Michigan doesn't mean he can't run the engine. Outboards are self draining and tap water will not freeze in the engine. I can understand not being able to run it if it is not mounted on a boat and a 35 is a little big for a trash can full of water. However, if I cannot hear an engine run and am not allowed to at least loosen the lower unit drain plug I may still buy the engine, but the offer will be at salvage value or possibly a little above. Can pull the plugs and have a peak inside the plug holes with a pen-light to see if there is anything obvious going on. If he balks at that as well, I'm back to salvage value. None of this stuff, even at the hands of a rank amatuer will damage anything.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

I think all the above advice is good for buying a run-of-the-mill used motor, but this one is more like a collector's/specialty motor. if it's the only one you've found lately, you may just have to chance it. It's not an exhorbitant amount of money.

When you meet the guy you can probably tell whether you can trust him to (a) tell the truth and (b) know what he's talking about. And you might still have a good deal even if he fails on (a) or (b).

For many CL sellers, they just want it gone and don't want to spend time with you messing around in his shop, so i wouldn't automtically be suspicious of the "no test drive" seller. Use your gut, and remember that the greatest reward comes with the greatest risk.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Just so you know, if you get on aomci.org's website and find the FREE classified section, you will find motors like you want for a very reasonable price. You'd be crazy not to look there. I live in the south where all the good old 50's motors were worn out 50 years ago. I've bought several through aomci members (I am one as well) up North in your area and ALWAYS, without exception, gotten a great deal and was treated more than fairly. AOMCI enthusiasts love to see their old motors go on old boats like yours and would be especially helpful. You are not limited to this one motor you're looking at----there were lots of them sold and lots of 'em still available if you know where to look.
Do yourself a favor and talk to the guys that love these old motors and know how to fix them right. You won't be sorry you did. If you can find one of the Koranda brothers, they will make you a good deal on a motor, almost positively. I've bought a '57 18hp, '56 30hp, and a '54 25hp OMC and all were super deals. They're good guys. Look them up at aomci.org
JBJennings

 

[rgballard]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

Thanks for all the great info. I will definitely check out aomci.org's site.

 

[stevo10081984]

Re: Purchasing an Outboard Motor with out a test run?

heres a crazy idea, but hey im from ny...so here ya go.....go find a 55 gal drum cut the top off and bring it w/you...that is of course if you have a truck! run it by the guy and see what he says, you cant hurt these motors by running them in the cold, just make sure its stored upright afterward....here a vid of mine running in 20 degree weather http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Hy9SuABA8