What to check for when buying an I/O

[SiLiconD17]

Hey guys, I found an aluminum center console (18'?) in my area for sale really cheap that's going to need a lot of work. I talked to the guy and he said the hull and everything was in good shape, but the deck and console will need to be replaced, something I'm ready to tackle myself in my spare time. He said it has an inboard/outboard and it has a Ford inline 4 cylinder engine. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but when it comes to the stern drive and steering systems I know next to nothing. I've heard that the stern drives normally go out before the engine does, so that's my only concern because that would probably end up being fairly expensive from what I've heard. I have no problems if it's rebuildable, I just don't want to have to shell out money for an entire new drive.

Unfortunately it won't be running because it "doesn't have a battery" (I'm expecting the engine will need some work after sitting for a while, but I'm prepared to do this all myself, even if I have to tear it apart and rebuild it all), so I won't be able to see if the drive actually works or not. Is there anything I can check to see what kind of shape the stern drive is in on this thing? Also, I'm assuming that the steering system consists of a steering cable and wheel like on an outboard. Is there anything I can check to make sure the steering on the stern drive is working? I've replaced steering cables before on outboards, and I wouldn't have an issue having to do that either. Thanks for your help!

 

[Don S]

Re: What to check for when buying an I/O

The only thing I can tell you about that boat with the above information is to RUN AWAY, Fast.......
1. If you can't hear it run, don't buy it. Too many people buy boats like that only to find the engine locked up and the drive is in even worse shape. Broken blocks because they weren't winterized and they froze. Leaky manifolds allowing water in the cylinders.
2. The Ford 4 cyl engine is a 2.3L engine. Was used ONLY By OMC (which went out of buisness 10 years ago) and then they only used them for about 3 years and gave up on them. Parts are few and far between.
3. While the outdrive still has aftermarket parts available, techs able to rebuid and repair them are few and far between, since as I said before, omc is out of buisness.

Put that with rotted deck and counsole, and you don't have anything left.

 

[tommays]

Re: What to check for when buying an I/O

You don't want that project


Look for with a more recent Merc or Volvo drive and motor that is running as they motors generally do not come out of long term storage in very good shape

tommays

 

[SiLiconD17]

Re: What to check for when buying an I/O

Well, I was really looking for something with an outboard and just came across this one. I know finding parts for an OMC drive would be a pain, but there's a Johnson/Evinrude dealer by me that carries a ton of discontinued NOS parts for OMC products that could probably help out.

I'm not concerned with having to redo the deck or anything; I'm really the type of person that buys things to work on them, and I would really enjoy replacing everything and building it the way I want.

Also, how does an inboard/outboard get water coolant, or do they run off a radiator? Is it the same as an outboard to where you can get the hose clip adapter and run it out of the water? The reason I ask is in case I can get it cranked pending the starting system and fuel system is all intact.

On a side note, how hard would it be to rip out the inboard/outboard and replace it with an outboard motor (remember this is an aluminum boat)? In a worst case scenario, I could get rid of the center console and just have it wide open with a 50hp tiller steer Johnson/Evinrude.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: What to check for when buying an I/O

I'd look around alot,see what you are getting into with buying a boat.Period !!

You can read alot here,and form your own opinion.(or have you ?)

You won't find many posters (people) encouraging you on this endevour..

Good luck

DHP

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: What to check for when buying an I/O

Hey Si, I unlike some here am a fan of the 2.3 and cobra combo. Parts and manuals are available.

That said, there is a point where time and money invested just isn't worth it no matter how much you like to tinker.

IF!!!!!!!!! Still intrested in atleast looking at it. Pull the top level plug in the outdrive for a quick oil check. There's a line where it should be and check for color. IF it looks fine, pull the lower unit drain plug and check for water. You could also take the shifter and try to move it F-N-R to get a general idea if it shifts at all.

That's about as basic as it gets without being able to fire it up. The cost of bringing the motor/drive up ASSUMING all is in good basic shape is going to be very roughly $500+. That's just tune up parts, gimbal, universals, bellows, and other basics of general maintenence.

As far as making it an outboard, K.I.S.S. Invest the money in something that's a complete package you can hear run and take out to play with some. As anyone here will attest to, there's always something to tinker with when you have a boat.