when buying used

[the_anarchy16]

hey all. was wondering what things i should look for, what i should ask, and what i should believe when looking over a used outboard. Im no mechanic but id like to get a new to me motor that will give me some trouble free time on the water. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: when buying used

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. 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.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: when buying used

thanks. the motor im looking at is from a local dealer (looks very clean and nice) its a 2003 15hp merc (4stroke) that they claim was only used 1 season and traided in for a bigger motor. it looks mint. It is currently winterized (fogged) but they offered to wake it up so i can see it run (ive seen them run other motors in the test tank) When i go in to further inspect it ill ask for see lower unit oil, hear it run, put it in gear stuff like that. how do i check compression and the spark? they claim coimpression is good however i always like to no for sure. Thanks again

 

[ziemann]

Re: when buying used

If the dealer is willing to put it in the tank for you to see, then take advantage of it.

Checking compression on that motor is easy, and only takes a couple of minutes. If you ask, they will likely have someone from their shop do it so you can see.

If they pop open the lower unit, look for any milky lube indicating the presence of water in it. Obviously, if they just changed the lube, there won't be anything bad in there.

See if they will offer a short warranty with the motor just in case anything unforeseen should crop up.

That Merc should serve you well.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: when buying used

thanks for the help im going tomorrow to give her a final look. Bringing a friend with me that know a little more about small motors however not much specifically about outboards. Im planning on checking spark and compression with him as well as running it for a bit and then checking lower unit oil. also told to look for wander and play on prop shaft and for temp and water flow and smoke and stuff any last tips

Thanks

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: when buying used

Try and get as long a warranty (parts and labour) as you can negotiate. If the dealer will not offer any warranty then walk away or expect a significant discount. If the dealer is reputable then you should have little to no issues.
Good Luck and let us all know how you make out.

 

[the_anarchy16]

Re: when buying used

got the merc. no warranty but he came down quite a bit on the price. hope it works out for me. Thanks for all the help