Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

[Wakko]

I found this forum through my many Google searches and read the FAQ thread about waking up an older motor...excellent information already. I know quite a bit of motorcycles and auto repair, but I'm a rookie with outboards. A local gentleman has a beautiful 7.5 hp Evinrude that appears to be an 80-82 based on my research. The motor belonged to his father who last ran it 15 years ago and put it away reportedly with nothing wrong with it. The seller says the motor has good compression when he pulls the cord, but he's not tried to start it. Pictures show it stored on a handtruck with some of the typical paint wear on the prop, but otherwise looks to be in excellent condition, especially for the age.

I'm not trying to steal the motor, so I'm certainly not going to offer $50 and a can of beer for it, but I believe his asking price of over $300 is out of line with the market. I'm in Florida, so there are definitely lots of motors out there. I'd appreciate some insight as to a proper offer and what to check to make sure that I don't buy myself one helluva paperweight. I'm prepared to do the carb rebuild, water pump rebuild and oil change once I purchase an appropriate manual.

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

Good motor but not worth $300 in current condition. It's an easy motor to work on, parts are available, and would be a great fishing motor. Not run for that length of time calls for an impeller, more than likely new seals in the lower unit, carb cleaning, possibly coils, plugs, and possibly a fuel pump. Not trying to discourage you but, it will need serious tlc. Personally, I would offer $150 and maybe go up to $200. Ha! I've paid more than $300 for older motors than that one but never regretted it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

IMO $300 might be about right if that engine were in good running order. Unless you can fire it up in a tank anything the seller says about it's condition means nothing. I look at it this way, if an engine was in as good condition and needed as little work as the seller claims, then why don't they do it themselves so they can get top dollar? I've been burned before by outboard engines not being nearly what the seller claimed.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

I am currently search for an outboard motor in that range . . .

$250-300 for a proven working motor.

maybe about 1/2 of that for a motor that is not in running condition. So, if the seller can start the engine and get it running well, then it would be worth about $100-150 extra for him.

 

[jonbellamy]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

Why would the seller not try to start it? I live in FL and these outboards aren't really fetching high prices. If it was in near perfect condition i'd pay $300, but that would also be if i tested it in the water first. My first offer would be somewhere like $150-$175. Don't be afraid to bargain--explain to him that you may need to do some work to it and if he doesn't accept that than he's looking to take advantage of someone.

 

[Wakko]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

Thanks for the insight so far. $150 was what I was thinking too, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't off base. I explained to the seller what it needs to be freshened up and that I did not want to insult him with a low ball, so he suggested I come by for a look-see and make an offer from there. He is not mechanical enough to do any work himself. He did say the magic words that I like to hear: motivated. If I could get it for around $150 with the hand truck it's sitting on, I'd be willing to take the gamble.

Anything to look for that would be an obvious walk away problem?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

Low compression would be a walk away problem. Pull the starter cord slowly and you should be able to feel a firm resistance (twice) in the length of the cord. Of course, bringing a plug wrench and compression test gauge is the best way to find out what the compression is. good numbers would be anything over 80psi. Much lower than that and I would walk away.

 

[Wakko]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

80 even with a cold motor?

 

[nwcove]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

80psi would be nice, but just as important is even compression . if you get 80 in one hole and 60 in the other....walk away. with that being said, the only other somewhat common issue would be the ds seized into the crank, but i doubt the seller will let you unbolt the lu to check. they are good reliable motors tho, and if the compression checks out good, id take my chances at $200 if the motor appears to be one that was well looked after. jmo

 

[AlTn]

Re: Value/purchase assistance, '80-'82 7.5 Evinrude that hasn't run in years

if this motor was used in saltwater be sure you inspect the heads of the screws that hold the powerhead onto the exhaust housing, in fact, inspect all fasteners and screws for obvious corrision...having to remove these to do maintenance can prove to be more aggrevation than it's worth