What to check - used 2007 Merc 50HP

[oldjeep]

I'm looking at a pontoon on saturday and taking it for a water test. It's got a 2007 Mercury 50 HP 2 stroke on it. Supposedly the boat and motor have been used 3 times since new.

Aside from actually taking the boat for a spin, what else can I check on the motor? Is there a dipstick on this type of motor? Can you inspect the drive lube without draining it? Anything else to look at?

Thanks

 

[nat85501]

Re: What to check - used 2007 Merc 50HP

I'm looking at a pontoon on saturday and taking it for a water test. It's got a 2007 Mercury 50 HP 2 stroke on it. Supposedly the boat and motor have been used 3 times since new.

Aside from actually taking the boat for a spin, what else can I check on the motor? Is there a dipstick on this type of motor? Can you inspect the drive lube without draining it? Anything else to look at?

Thanks

I don't know for sure but maybe you can take the top plug from the drive lube and smell to see if it is burned.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: What to check - used 2007 Merc 50HP

If you take out the bottom plug on the lower unit you can drain a little oil into a cup. It should not look like chocolate milk shake. It should be either golden (if new) or black (used but good). Do this after the on water test that way the lower unit will be fully stirred up. Take out the plug and be prepared to put it back in quickly.

Also, you maybe should do a compression test but that may be overkill. I would check it out closely for visible damage and corrosion. Test how well it starts, idles, shifts and accelerates. There is no dipstick.