Any tips for buying a used outboard?

TomKat · 13 January 2012, 10:42

I am going to look at a 2 stroke Mariner 75 this afternoon, I will check:-

-compression
-good spark with spark testers (for stator issues)
-PTT working
-good tell tale.

The engine has allegedly ran less that 10 hours from new but has lay for the last 8 years unused (on its side, with it being a 2 stroke I dont seee this as being a big issue, any thoughts?).

Any other suggetions on things to look out for?

Cheers for any pointers.

Boats&Outboards · 13 January 2012, 10:47

Have a good tug on the cav plate pulling it out (as if trimming up) to check for play on the lower engine mounts, likewise check upper mounts. Check oil injection working and it's not being pre-mixed in the tank. Other than that the test run and compression check will dictate your purchase.

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

PeterM · 13 January 2012, 10:48

If its sat for 8 years unused I'd expect some of the gaskets to be dried/ leaking . If you can let it get good and hot to make sure it copes OK .

And if bought 1st thing is to change the impellor at least ....and gearbox oil..

TomKat · 13 January 2012, 11:07

cheers chaps

actions · 13 January 2012, 11:28

Have a peek at thread. Engine not used since 2006 help.

For some reason i couldn't post the link on phone so that's the title of thread which i started.

Basically i bought a 4 stroke which had sat for 5 years. Best decision i made. Its brand new engine for a lot less money.

Good luck.

Sent from my galaxy s2

J.W.W. · 13 January 2012, 11:59

Please be aware of the serious risk that a 2-stroke engine which has been standing still for such a long period (while not being conserved with "storage seal") has a major risk of internal rust marks on both crankshaft and connection rods. In this case your engine will run for somewhere between 3-50 hours before being totally ruined.

The only one who knows if the engine has been properly prepared for storage, will be the owner. Perhaps this owner will be able to proof the engine has be conserved properly, for example by showing you a dealer reciept for this action. (This dealer can also use the term "winterised" instead of conserved). In that case you will be more safe not running this risk, although 8 years is quite a long period..
If not, I personally would quickly take the guess...

Perhaps your price is good anyway and you are willing to take the risk..

Good luck!!
Regards,
Wouter

9D280 · 13 January 2012, 12:23

If it's been indoors in a dry environment that is likely to be a very low risk - remember it will have been covered in 20- stroke oil already.......

As for the oil injection, if it does use premix it boils down to slightly more hassle when you fill the tank....... Just make sure the oil inlet has been sealed if that is the case.

TomKat · 13 January 2012, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.W.W.

Please be aware of the serious risk that a 2-stroke engine which has been standing still for such a long period (while not being conserved with "storage seal") has a major risk of internal rust marks on both crankshaft and connection rods. In this case your engine will run for somewhere between 3-50 hours before being totally ruined.

The only one who knows if the engine has been properly prepared for storage, will be the owner. Perhaps this owner will be able to proof the engine has be conserved properly, for example by showing you a dealer reciept for this action. (This dealer can also use the term "winterised" instead of conserved). In that case you will be more safe not running this risk, although 8 years is quite a long period..
If not, I personally would quickly take the guess...

Perhaps your price is good anyway and you are willing to take the risk..

Good luck!!
Regards,
Wouter

Good point, I was planning to pull the plugs and look at the bores, if I see any evidence of rust there its time to walk away! No way of knowing what inside the crank looks like but I cant imagine there being corrosion on the crank and not on the bores.

Thanks for the tips, its a 6 hour round trip so I hope it worth it!

mister p · 13 January 2012, 20:39

Good Luck!!!! Nothing ventured nothing gained. Could be a good start to your 2012 if it works out.
You've got all the right info. Give it a crack. Well worth a look.

ADI · 13 January 2012, 20:52

I am going to look at a 2 stroke Mariner 75 this afternoon

What was it like then ?

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 11:09

Bought it! In the middle of fitting to the boat at the minute, seriously awkward to lift, no obvious lifting points.

Engine ran well on test, bit smoky but I'm sure that will come OK as I had asked them to oil the barrels as it had lay for a while. Healthy 130psi on each cylinder and nice and tight sounding. Cover is a bit scruffy form lying around but internals look good. Missing the internal electrics cover but not the end of the world I suppose. Will post a few pics later. I am sure some things will need attention but the price left a bit of room for more work so happy at the moment anyway! Not sure when I will get it on the water but hopefully in the next week or so!

Cheers for the tips!

Boats&Outboards · 14 January 2012, 11:32

Great. Hope it works out for you. Sounds like you got a bargain

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 17:23

few pics of the engine, been working hard today!

Boats&Outboards · 14 January 2012, 17:27

You've bought yourself a good solid motor there

May I ask how much you paid ?

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 17:28

The control cables are a bit stiff so hoping they will loosen up, Quicksilver control box has a few seized screws so will have to grasp that nettle some day!

I also had to fix the trim button on the engine, bit corroded internally, I have it working but will most likely have to replace it at some stage.

There is a strange pipe hanging down near the gearbox any ideas where it should go? Pic below

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 17:31

Also will need a kill switch, the Quicksilver one is a bit different to what I am used to, there is a toggle switch that presumably the lanyard will attach to but it can work with or without the lanyard? Any pointers on where to get one?

Only one other issue the trim is not going up fully, presumably a fliuid level thing? Any pointers on that would be great!

Have not had in the water yet but so far so good!

Jizm · 14 January 2012, 17:50

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...id=57397042319

Kill cord is just a plastic loop on these quicksilver controls.

Ian Sharlot · 14 January 2012, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKat

There is a strange pipe hanging down near the gearbox any ideas where it should go? Pic below

it goes to speedo if fitted, generally not used

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Sharlot

it goes to speedo if fitted, generally not used

Cheers, had me a bit puzzled!

TomKat · 14 January 2012, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizm

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...id=57397042319

Kill cord is just a plastic loop on these quicksilver controls.

Cheers