What to look for on a used engine???

[TrenchFisherman]

I am interested in a used boat. It is a 1988 26ft Islander with a V-6. It has a OMC outdrive. I want to know what to look for and what tests to do when i get to open up the hatch. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks <br /><br />PS-Is there any amount of hours an engine should have on it before it gets rebuilt or is it like a car(run til it breaks)?

 

[fishnboat]

Re: What to look for on a used engine???

Look at the outdrive... If it is a OMC Cobra, make sure the transum shift cable has been changed... They recalled it... I believe the original cable was black, and the replacement is red... Otherwise, you could have some damaged gears in the outdrive. I just had the cable changed at a reputable marina in Everett, WA and it cost me only about $350.00...<br /><br />Good luck....

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: What to look for on a used engine???

are OMC outdrives quality? are parts easy to get? are they as reliable as mercruisers?

 

[fishnboat]

Re: What to look for on a used engine???

That depends on who you talk to... My understanding is that if the cable has been replaced (transum shift = red), then the outdrives are good. With out the shift, they can "chew" through the gears in the outdrive... <br /><br />I just put a 350 chev engine in our 19' bayliner, and after all that cost, I do not want to be replacing the gears anytime soon, so I wanted to be sure everything would be OK, so I spent the 3$320 and replaced the cable... BTW... a new gear set is around $1000.00<br /><br />As for parts... look into the marine stores around you, they should list OMC as a service if applicable. Around me (Seattle, WA area) there are many shops for OMC, and parts are not hard to accuire. OMC has stopped making outdrives, but the parts are still out there... so are the mechanics...<br /><br />happy boating...