What to check on a outboard for detecting Problems

[NetOne]

What checks can you do to see how issues may come about with an outboard<br /><br />Such as:<br /><br />Compression Check<br />Rod Drop Test<br />Etc<br /><br />Need to know what to look at when buying a used motor....pls help

 

[wilde1j]

Re: What to check on a outboard for detecting Problems

Compression test is good to do when buying. Also drain a little LU oil and see if there's any water, chunks of metal, etc. And run the motor on the water and make sure it cools properly, develops proper WOT RPM's, idles OK, no unusual/bad noises etc. I would also check to see if the power head has been apart (check the ccase parting line for paint breaks).

 

[JB]

Re: What to check on a outboard for detecting Problems

Hello, NetOne.<br /><br />Welcome to the board.<br /><br />The best test is an on-the-water demonstration. Starts and idles well, accellerates smoothly, runs at wide open throttle for 5 minutes without overheating.<br /><br />Second best would be an on-the-hose test. Starts easily idles well. When individual spark plug wires are removed the rpm drops. Good stream from tell-tale.<br /><br />Finally, in both cases, a compression test. Plugs out, throttle wide open. Each cylinder compresses over 90 psi and the difference between high and low cylinders is less than 15%.<br /><br />Can't be tested? Drop price 30% for no under-load test, 40% for no on-the-hose test, 50% for no compression test.<br /><br />Good luck,

 

[Solittle]

Re: What to check on a outboard for detecting Problems

I priced one JB's way years ago. I knew the motor had not been run in several years so I assumed that I would have to replace it. Made the deal with that in mind, bought an ignition key and ran the sucker for 7 years.