What to look for in I/O

[TC777]

Hello, what do I need to look at when looking at an I/O motor? I know very little about them. Any common problems that can be identified easily? I found a decent deal on a 120hp mercrusier. Guy states that it will turn over but not fire? Said that the mechanic told him the motor had good compression. The guy said it could have a possible cracked head or blown headgasket??? This does not make sense to me, if the motor has good compression. Any advice will be appreciated!

 

[Bondo]

Re: What to look for in I/O

Ayuh,... Just how Handy are you,..?? Much of a Mechanic,..?? Got a Big Toolbox,..??

If you're not able to step into that barge,+ Know what the problem is with the motor,...
In a 1/2 Hour,....

It's probably a bigger Project than you should be lookin' at....

 

[Don S]

Re: What to look for in I/O

The guy said it could have a possible cracked head or blown headgasket???

That's what every in-experienced DIYer suspects when there is water in the oil. Usuaslly turns out to be a cracked block because it froze. Usually because it wasn't winterized properly.

 

[mkast]

Re: What to look for in I/O

Any advice will be appreciated!

How many boats are out there? More than one or two. Don't talk yourself into, "It's such a good deal, it's probability an easy fix." Look for a boat that doesn't need repairs right out of the box. Look at it from this point of view, take the money you have earmarked for repairs, double it, because it will cost that much or more. You're new at this, you'll make mistakes, like the one you're making now. Add it to the cost of this boat and buy a boat that has seen at least a little maintenance. You're chomin' at the bit to get on the water, this is not the way to do it. Drop the emotion, look at it logically.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: What to look for in I/O

Hello, what do I need to look at when looking at an I/O motor? I know very little about them. Any common problems that can be identified easily? I found a decent deal on a 120hp mercrusier. Guy states that it will turn over but not fire? Said that the mechanic told him the motor had good compression. The guy said it could have a possible cracked head or blown headgasket??? This does not make sense to me, if the motor has good compression. Any advice will be appreciated!

Of course it's a decent deal. Most boats with trashed engines are.

 

[TC777]

Re: What to look for in I/O

Thanks guys!