I thought this might be helpfull to some people, mayby even as a part of FAQ's:<br /><br />Buying a used outboard motor.<br /><br />What should I look for when buying a used outboard motor, to avoid just getting an expensive ancor, or a motor someone sells to avoid an expensive repair.<br /><br />Buying new, with dealer warranty is always safer, but heres what I do.<br /><br />1: A sea trial on the boat the motor was previously run on, is always the best. During this trial, run WOT for at least 10 minutes, and hear the motor idle smooth afterwards. Observe how the motor responds to throttle up thru the different RPM ranges.<br /><br />2: When sea trial for some reason is not possible, my bidding price would lower accordingly.<br />Ask if seller will give any kind of written warranty ?<br /><br />3: If it is possible to hear is run on a stand, you will always know its able to start, but on a multiple cylinder 2 stroke motor, its very hard to determine that all cylinders run at all, and harder to know if they do their part of the work. Run the motor and listen for unexpected sounds, if you hear any, be suspecious.<br /><br />If I have to buy a used outboard anyway, heres what I look for:<br /><br />A: Compression. Remove all spark plugs and take a compression reading in each cylinder.<br />Readings should generally be above 100 Psi on all, and within at least 10 PSI, best within 2-5 from eachother. Most healthy crossflows are around 125, loopers around 140. Some V6s have compression around 95, though. Look for equal compression in all cylinders.<br /><br />B: Spark test. Remove all spark plugs, and connect a spark tester. All sparks should be able to jump a 3/8 gap at start motor RPM.<br /><br />C: Lower unit check. Remove lower unit drain plug, and check that oil is clear from water and metal deposits above metallic grain size. Check shift operation without any binding. Milky white oil is an evidence of water intrusion.<br /><br />D: If Trim and Tilt, Operate it up/down.<br /><br />E: Look for any broken metal parts.<br /><br />F: Why is this motor for sale ?? Could there be a hidden reason.<br /><br />G: Used or abused. People who care for their things and have them regularely serviced, usually cares for the outher too. If everything looks neglected, the required maintenance probably was never done too.<br /><br />I: Ask for service bills.<br /> <br />It is hard never to take any chances, when buying used, but the above simple checks will help.
