what to look for when buying a used outboard?

[silveraire]

Thats the question. It would be nice to have a checklist for people to reference whan shoping for a used outboard. maybe make a sticky for easy reference.

thanks,
chad

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: what to look for when buying a used outboard?

BUYING A USED MOTOR

overall condition, condition of the place you are buying it from, usually tells you how they care for things. compression 100 + psi, and within 10% of each other, good strong blue spark, no water in the lower unit oil. look for discolored paint, (sign of over heat at
one time, also scarred up bolts, as why. have them start it. if they fail to put it in a barrell or tank, or on muffs, or in the water, to start it they don't know what they are doing. best yet is to take it for a 30 min to 1 hour test run. also if remote controlled motor, the controls should come with it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: what to look for when buying a used outboard?

On top of all that, one of my favorite things to do is see if and how much I can wiggle the motor back and forth which indicates the condition of the mounts. Lowers are usually a major undertaking, especially on an old motor (if the parts are even available).

 

[pine island fred]

Re: what to look for when buying a used outboard?

If its a big investment, take the time and drop the leg. Make sure the shaft is not seized to the powerhead. FRED