subject: Test That Used Outboard [print this page] Never allow a used boat motor purchase to become an Outboard Motor Repair. Read on for some important checks you can perform yourself. Here are a few steps you could take to prevent getting ripped off and lower the likelihood of purchasing someone else's problems.
When looking for second hand outboards it is crucial to have them inspected before you purchase them. It is not a large expense to get an outboard repair shop to look them over. The money saved in the long term is well worth it. I have witnessed time and time again people purchase second hand motors on good faith. The previous owner swears that they are in excellent shape and running order. When the new owner brings the outboard in for a tune up or service, typically there is something wrong with it. I have seen many motors purchased in good faith that are really very badly damaged and require an costly repair. An outboard motor repair can be extremely costly.
A workshop can go over the outboard from top to bottom. They will inspect the motor mounts and bushings, the propeller and gearbox condition. They will also run the motor and check the tuning, gear shift function, charging and have a good listen to the sound of the motor, listening for some internal bearing noise or too much piston slap etc that could necessitate an outboard motor repair.
A compression test can be performed on the motor and most shops possess the capacity to check in the outboard by way of a tiny flashlight or bore scope. The condition of the cylinder bores or liners will be observed, and this offers a pretty good indication of piston and ring condition. The time required to do an inspection is about 1-2 hours. With shops charging just about $75 bucks an hr, it is a very cheap and prudent step to take to protect yourself against potential unexpected costs.
However always remember there is no assurance that your service technician can learn everything that might possibly be wrong with the engine. There is only so much they can check to preclude an outboard motor repair.
