Used Outboard Pre-Purchase Checklist

[Bitmess]

I recently got took on an outboard motor deal. The motor started right up and ran fine in a bucket of water but on the lake it had no power. Turned out that it had no compression on one cylinder. What steps should I take to check out a used outboard before purchasing it?
Thanks!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Used Outboard Pre-Purchase Checklist

compression test, check lower unit lube for water or shavings. look at over all condition. Is it filthy under the cowl, but real clean on the outside? check and make sure it shifts. They will act differently out on the water as they are under a load, but in general if it has good compression and spark take a chance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Outboard Pre-Purchase Checklist

BUYING A USED MOTOR

overall condition, condition of the place you are buying it from, usually tells you how they care for things. compression 100 + psi, and within 10% of each other, good strong blue spark, no water in the lower unit oil. look for discolored paint, (sign of over heat at
one time, also scarred up bolts, as why. have them start it. if they fail to put it in a barrell or tank, or on muffs, or in the water, to start it they don't know what they are doing. best yet is to take it for a 30 min to 1 hour test run. also if remote controlled motor, the controls should come with it. used controls can cost up to $200.00.

did you check out why it had low compression? could just be a simple head gasket.