Re: Signs of a well maintained used outboard
Good question... for sure I'd do 3 things: 1)look at the gear lube (as has been said, just the first bit, don't drain it on the guy), 2) I'd do a compression test, (and spark while you have the plugs out) and 3) (lastly) I'd wanna see it run. Once running I'd look to see how the water pump seems to work, and make sure F/N/R work with no unusual noises. I'd let it warm up an see how it idles and re-starts. I much prefer to see it run with the leg in a barrel or garbage can than on muffs.<br /><br />Other things to note... because I'd warn the guy when I call that I'd wanna see it run, the first thing I do when I get there is make sure the engine is cold. I prefer to see a cold start, if it's hard to start when cold, he might be sneaky enough to warm it up 20 minutes before you said you'll be there. Do 1 & 2 before #3.<br /><br />Biggest thing is being able to ask Q's to feel out how diligent they've been with maintenance. I don't care so much that they've done it themselves or not, but I'd want to find out if they know that the lower unit lube needs to be changed every fall, and the impeller should be replaced occassionally.<br /><br />Good signs: he has receipts for work that he says has been done, he has the owner's manual and a service manual, when you say you'd like to have a peak at the LU oil, he says, "sure, but I just put new stuff in there in the fall"<br /><br />Bad signs: he gives you a blank stare when you ask when he last changed the lower unit lube or if the impeller has ever been changed. Also bad if he seems to know a LOT about outboards and has carcasses of others lying around. Frankensteins might be OK if cheap enough, but I'd much prefer an well maintained original motor.<br /><br />While the outside condition tells you something about the overall TLC... you might get a bargain on a scratched up ugly duckling that could be fine mechanically. In these parts anyway (fresh water & short season) impellers tend to be left in longer so it's not too uncommon for people to be a bit ignorant about their importance. Whether it seems OK or not, I'd put a new one in (and new plugs) before I started actually using the motor. Also, check the LU oil for water after your first time out. For me, it always takes a few outings to have any sort of trust for a new-to-me outboard. (having a kicker isn't a bad thing)<br /><br />hope this helps.<br /><br />Brent
