questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

[totalivewire]

what kind of question are critical when buying a used lower unit? does electric, reverse and nuterual matter? The one I found is $90 total and needs the water pump replaced, is that a problem?<br /><br />40hp '72, electric, long shaft.<br />model#40el72e<br />serial#j3624963<br />Thanks for all the help guys!<br />new boater-totalivewire

 

[upstate]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

does it work?<br />what happenned to the rest of the motor?<br />guaranteed wworking or as is?<br />will you take $50 bucks for it?

 

[totalivewire]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

since my motor is electric does that mean i need an electromatic lower unit?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

Ask if there was water in the oil last time it was change. As a matter of course, I would install a new waterpump impeller (unless the seller has documentation that it was done VERY recently).<br /><br /> Also, you do NOT want a lower unit for an ELECTRIC SHIFT model. You want one that is straight mechanical shift. In other words, you don't want one with a wire coming out of it. Doesn't matter if the motor is electric starting or not...<br />- Scott

 

[OBJ]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

You might want to have a pressure and vacuum test done on it to determine the condition of the seals. Water don't do well inside any lower unit. $90 for a lower unit ain't a bad price even if you have to have it resealed which I (personally) would do. This would also give a chance to take a peek at the gears. My own opinion of electric shifts is I liked them. The later years that is. The electrics gave you a positive shift. No grinding of gears no matter who was operating the engine which meant longevity to the lower unit. Just my opinion.<br /><br />Jim

 

[totalivewire]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

THANX FOR YOUR OPINION JIM. MY COUSIN WHO GAVE ME IT IS GOING TO HELP ME WITH ALL OF THE WORK. HE KNOWS ALOT ABOUT THE MOTOR BUT I JUST HADN'T HAD A CHANCE YET TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT IT YET. I WOULD APRECIATE ANY OTHER TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS.

 

[totalivewire]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

CHINEWALKER SAYS I DONT NEED A ELECTRIC SHIFT BUT OUTBOARDJIMS SAYS I DO. IT SAYS ITS A ELECTRIC ON THE SERIAL#. DO I BUY THE STRIAGHT OR GO FOR THE ELECTRIC?

 

[OBJ]

Re: questions i should ask when buying a used lower unit

Sorry if I miss led ya' livewire. I was just giving an opinion on the lower units and didn't really mean to imply what you needed. There are pro's and con's to both types of lower units and a lot of folks will agree with Chinewalker that the electrics are a big pain in the patut. The biggest con to the electrics is the availability of the shift solenoids and their cost. They are still available (last time I looked) but don't suppose they will be much longer unless you go to some place that specializes in discontinued parts. I think it really boils down to what you will need to do to change the shift scheme over and parts needed (shift rod, shift cable, converting the control over, etc) to keeping it as is.<br /><br />Jim