buying used - are earmuffs enough?

[surfstar]

when checking out a used outboard and no chance of a boat test, are earmuffs enough to get an idea of how the motor is? after a compression check of course.<br /> Is it safe to shift into F/R with muffs on, as long as throttle is idle speed?<br /><br /> thanks

 

[bayman]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

What outboard is it? I'm almost positive that will not work for some outboards so be careful.

 

[surfstar]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

not sure yet on the make, as i'm still looking. but it will be on a 25-40 hp.

 

[BF]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

Given a choice, I'd prefer to see it run in a barrel. You have exhaust back pressure so the idle should be like when it's on the water, and when you put it in gear there's some load on the prop and you can see if it stalls. You can also see what the water pump is doing without having hose pressure added in.<br /><br />Also, depending on the motor type, yes it's true the water pickups might not be too compatible with muffs (again barrel is better). I think this is particularly true for older ones without through the hub exhaust... they oftn have a water pickup in the leading edge of the exhaust "fin" that hangs down behind the prop.<br /><br />25 would probably be no problem, 40 might be too big for your average garbage can (?).<br /><br />I'm never overly confident after buying a used motor. Doesn't matter if I've seen it run.... until I get some trouble free hours on it I'm always a bit leery. Having a kicker motor on the boat goes a long way to my piece of mind... I'm just starting to trust the old 25 hp that I bought this spring, and it ran great all summer.<br /><br />good luck!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

I second the barrel if you can get one.Make sure the motor is straight up and that the prop is not touching any part of the barrel.Compression test is the single most important thing to do and do it first before you get to far into checking it out.Charlie

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

surfstar. Yes, you can shift the motor while running it on the muffs, but you should remove the prop first just to be safe. A compression check and spark check are a good idea. Also look at the L/U oil for milky color or metal shavings. Run the motor on the muffs only at low speeds. The problem is, you can't check the motor under a load and you can't check it at speed. It may idle fine on the muffs and then not run good under a load. If you trust the guy selling it, just ask him how it runs on his boat. I would buy a motor this way if the price was right. Good luck.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: buying used - are earmuffs enough?

If running a motor out of the water with muffs, be VERY careful when shifting gears. The obvious issue is someone being nearby and having the prop moving, but the less obvious issue is the prop throwing a blade. or part of a blade. Never stand to the side of the spinning prop - stand well behind it or in front of it..<br /><br />A motor running on muffs can "sound" like it's running well, but may in fact be running on less than all cylinders - something you'd never know unless you had it in the water with a load on it.<br /><br />Also, bring a screwdriver in addition to the compression gauge and ask to check the lower unit oil...<br />- Scott