Top Tips for Inspecting a Used Outboard Motor
Posted on: 16 December 2021
You need patience and a bit of luck to find a real bargain when shopping for a used boat. For instance, you can find a used boat with one faulty outboard motor going for a very low price. Since such deals do not come by often, it is cost-effective to buy the used boat then replace the faulty outboard motor with a second-hand unit. Notably, shopping for a second-hand outboard motor takes more than focusing on the outward appearance. This article highlights top tips for inspecting a used outboard motor.
Compression Test
The compression cycle is perhaps one of the most significant inspection areas when buying a used outboard motor. While you can fix most components of a used outboard motor on the cheap, issues regarding the compression cycle can be challenging to address. Therefore, you must conduct a compression test on all the used outboard motors you come across. The results indicate whether piston rings and cylinders are in optimal working condition. Marine vessel experts often advise buyers to confirm that the pressure difference in each cylinder is not too low or too high. Notably, low readings could indicate a broken piston ring, a scored cylinder, a denoted piston, or a broken connecting rod.
Outboard Fit
Imagine spending hours inspecting and testing an outboard engine only to realise that its dimensions do not fit your boat. It is an all too common error that first-time buyers make, and it can be frustrating to address. Although you can retrofit a vessel to accommodate a used outboard motor, the overall cost of installing the unit can be prohibitive. You must understand that outboard motors come in varying shaft lengths for different transmission heights. Therefore, ensure that the motor you plan to inspect and possibly buy is compatible with your boat. It means that you must have the outboard motor's installation measurements when approaching a seller.
Visual Inspection and Test Run
Once you have conducted a compression test and ascertained that a used outboard motor will fit on your boat, it is time to do some visual inspections. Ideally, visual inspections involve the cowl gasket, propeller, anodes, shaft, cylinder head, spark plugs, and water pump. The components should be in relatively good condition to warrant a used outboard motor's asking price. Additionally, inspect oil in the lower unit and ensure it is clean and black, not cloudy. Follow the visual inspection with a test run, which you can conduct on land or in water. It is advisable to conduct a test run in water to have a clear picture of how a used outboard motor will perform on your boat.
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