I need advice on buying a used outboard

[Katfish]

Any advice on how to check out an outboard motor? I am going to go look at a couple of different 14 foot aluminum boat with either a 15hp or 25hp motor and am not sure what to look for or ask about when looking at the motor. Can they be started out of the water? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Steve

[fishkisser]

My best advise would be to do a test ride in them before purchase ...
Then you can see how they run under real life conditions before
you get stuck with something you thought was better than it really is ...
If they refuse , I would walk ...

[Slayer]

check the compression, make sure its OK

[gordy]

When you meet the seller tell him you want to watch the motor being started COLD.
Don't trust the seller either....Lift the cowling and put your hand on the innards of the motor to make sure it is cold.
if the motor takes a number of cranks or pulls to fire up that tells ya something. does it smooth right out once it does start idling??
Most smaller kickers will use the same size of "ear-muffs' which let you run the motor while using a garden hose to supply coolant. Buy a set (around 10 to 15 bucks) and take them with you when you are shopping.
You already know ahead of time what brand of motor it is and what year so do a bit of internet research on small motor forums. Lots of question and answer advice from people that have these motors and you can see a problematic trend (and fixes) before you ever leave your house.

[Bloom]

If you take it for a run and she gets up on plane quickly, runs smoothly and you don't hear any clackitty-clackitty sounds, she's probably ok. Before buying, you might drain the lower unit to check for water and any metal in the gear oil. If there is no maintenance history,once you own it, i would change out the thermostat, change the lower unit oil(with new seals on the drain and fill plugs)change the fuel filter and do an inspection on the plugs and replace if needed.

Actually, pulling the plugs prior to buying will tell you a little about the condition, but again, a good run on the water will reveal a lot.

[baitsauce]

Like anything bought used just use some common sense and you'll be ok.

[Slayer]

2nd checking the lower unit oil. look for white oil. If so you have a water and seal problem. Watch for vibration could have been ran in to something. lower unit bent?

[Okie]

Can they be started out of the water? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Steve[/quote]


You should only start a outboard engine when you have some way of running water thru itl. Never run it out of water with out proper cooling.

Good Luck

[Katfish]

Thanks for all the great advice!