Testing a Boat Engine?

[hostage]

I see a post on craigslist that looks like a pretty good deal it has a i/o Volvo engine. Are you able to turn the engine on to test it or does it need to be in the water? I have a feeling the motor is cooled by the water it is in as well as I am guessing that the prop spinning w/o water resistance might not be so good for it and might exceed RPM. I am guessing, but this guy said he wants this boat gun today and it is priced fairly cheep. I like doing things cautiously, though I am wondering if this is to good to be true: http://rochester.craigslist.org/boa/1738559093.html

Thanks,

Hostage

Note: I was wanting more of a 4.3L, but at this price it seems hard to pass up.

Edit: I know to check for milky oil, etc. Transmission fluid should be red, etc.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

Get an on-the-water test of this boat or walk away from it. The guy's ad gives the impression that he's not going to want to bother or has something he'd rather you didn't know, and that's a warning sign. Don't take his word on the condition of anything.

Any Craigs List ad with All Caps stuff in it is suspect, especially when the all caps stuff sounds a little belligerent.

So, if the guy won't put it on the water for a test, I'd just walk and find another boat.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

Simple -- No water test, no sale. Buyer beware.

You really can't discern "internal condition" of the boat while it's on the trailer. Motor, outdrive, performance are the big ones... and without being on the water you'll never know.

What you can do is check general condition, floor & stringers & foam for water intrusion and rot, and operate the motor on a gargen hose with outdrive attachment.... but testing the motor under load for a period of time is the only way to know for sure. Lots of problems are not evident on the hose.

There are LOTS of boats out there.

 

[carcraze]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

The motor casn be run on muffs but without the engine under load the engine's health is hard to determine. Even if a compression test and leak down test were done the boat should still be on the water tested.
It would also be a very good idea to find a marine surveyor who will go and inspect the boat and give you a report for a cost.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

Nuff said... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=393684

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

There are others here who are far more knowledgable as to what drive that rig might have and whether it should be avoided. I'm sure they'll be along shortly.

I'll take a shot at answering some of your questions. Or, it's only $3500. You could roll the dice and see what happens.

1. You most definitely want to hear the engine run. The engine/outdrive needs a water source for cooling. The owner should have 'muffs' which hook up to a garden hose and supply water to the drive so you can hear it run. Taking a ride on the water is preferrable but it doesn't sound like the seller is up for that. Let it run for awhile...15 minutes or more. Watch the temp guage...listen for funny knocking or ticking sounds. Watch the oil pressure guage.

2. Proceed with caution. I don't see a year of the rig in the ad so $3500 might be a geat deal or it might be way overpriced. I am always leary of seller's who want to move fast. He's had this rig for awhile and now, all of a sudden it needs to be gone. What has changed. Ask him and pay close attention to his response. Does it sound reasonable?

3. This is prime-time for cracked blocks being discovered by those who didn't bother to have their rig 'winterized'. Easiest way to find a cracked block is to look hard at the oil in the engine. Look for oil that looks like chocolate milk. It means water froze over the winter and has cracked the block allowing the water and oil to mix.

There is so much more to talk about when buying a used boat. If you're not comfortable with it maybe you have a friend who is. If not, I'd pass on this one until you read alot more about what to look for when purchasing a used boat. Or maybe you know a good boat mechanic who would love to take your repair money after you buy this one.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I didn't see anything in the ad saying he was opposed to an on-the-water test.

Hell, maybe this guy doesn't even know the importance of an on-the-water test. If he argues, tell him you've got a car for sale, and you want him to buy it without a test-drive. He'll understand the importance then...or he'll hang up on you and save you a lot of headache

Ad says, "ready for the water." Call him on it

 

[apaseman]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

As someone who bought a boat without taking it on the water test...let me tell you I won't do it again. I especially liked the "first person who offers me the $3,500 gets it". Uh...you have it advertised at $3,500...so I guess that makes sense

Buy with your brain not your heart like I did....there will always be boats in the future for sale...

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

You should pass on this one and study up some more on what to look for in buying a used boat.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I think you guys are raising the red flag a bit too early.
(Yellow flag maybe, with the ALL CAPS and GONE TODAY wording, as mentioned)

Again, nowhere has it yet been written or said that the seller refuses to do an on-the-water test. So far that has been only speculation/assumption/pulled out of arse.

(Now if he DOES refuse, or if he doesn't have the paperwork, well then yes, it's red flag time)

I see no reason yet why the thread poster should not investigate this boat.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I see no reason yet why the thread poster should not investigate this boat.

I see a ton of reasons why. Anyone thinking about purchasing a used boat who doesn't know whether the engine can be run if it's not in the water does not know nearly enough about the pitfalls involved in this purchase.

From the OP

Transmission fluid should be red

I am guessing that the prop spinning w/o water resistance might not be so good for it

My apologies to the OP. I'm not trying to be cruel.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I see a ton of reasons why. Anyone thinking about purchasing a used boat who doesn't know whether the engine can be run if it's not in the water does not know nearly enough about the pitfalls involved in this purchase.

From the OP



My apologies to the OP. I'm not trying to be cruel.

COMPLETELY agree. And I'm not trying to point at or ridicule the OP in anyway. I would find it hard for a very experienced boater to buy a boat withing a days notice and feel comfortable abou it. If you are new to buying boats, the process should take a month at minimum...unless the boat is given to you! (As Airdvr points out, the OP is rather new...)

Some people will say "well, the deal is so good that..."; and perhaps it is a good deal, but the more you investigate, the more that "trigger pull" of 3500 dollars can get you! You may be able to get more boat later for the money, or you might find out it wasnt the boat you really wanted...just to get the "itch" and go buy one isnt the right idea.

Once all the research is done, you'll know, and be very comfortable, and enjoy the purchase even more. To many "almost boaters" in the world because the got the itch, pulled the trigger, and ended up HATING boats because of there first bad buying experience!

Lastly...there will ALWAYS be another "first one to offer gets it" deal! The idea of putting that on the add is to quickly unload a boat, and there will always be people ready to unload a boat.

*Steps off of soap box*.

 

[z1nonlyone]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I see a post on craigslist that looks like a pretty good deal it has a i/o Volvo engine. Are you able to turn the engine on to test it or does it need to be in the water? I have a feeling the motor is cooled by the water it is in as well as I am guessing that the prop spinning w/o water resistance might not be so good for it and might exceed RPM. I am guessing, but this guy said he wants this boat gun today and it is priced fairly cheep. I like doing things cautiously, though I am wondering if this is to good to be true: http://rochester.craigslist.org/boa/1738559093.html

Thanks,

Hostage

Note: I was wanting more of a 4.3L, but at this price it seems hard to pass up.

Edit: I know to check for milky oil, etc. Transmission fluid should be red, etc.

Just a note,,,,,Looking at the oil on the end of the dipstick IS NOT a reliable way to check for water in the oil!! At the very minimum, I would run the engine untill it reaches (but not exceeds) its normal operating temp, then look in the oil filler port in the valve cover at the condition of the oil.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

I see a ton of reasons why. Anyone thinking about purchasing a used boat who doesn't know whether the engine can be run if it's not in the water does not know nearly enough about the pitfalls involved in this purchase.

That may be a reason why the OP should study up before investigating any boat, but it is not a reason why the OP should not investigate this particular boat. I do believe that this particular boat is the focus of this thread, and it appears as if the OP is here studying up.

Did the OP say he was rushing over there to hand the guy a wad of cash? Is he not on here asking questions? So far, the OP's intuitions have been good for the most part, so I don't know why y'all are busting his chops. I commend the OP for coming to the best place on the web to learn about boats before going out there and kicking some trailer tires

You don't have to buy to look, and looking is a great way to learn--both about what you do want, and about what you don't want.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

so I don't know why y'all are busting his chops

I don't think anyone is busting his chops. Questions asked, answers given. Extreme inexperience noted. Caution given.

Should he go look at it...I guess that can't hurt but why would he if the seller clearly states I WANT IT GONE TODAY . Should he purchase even with a ride on the water? Not so sure.

I looked at the ad again. Did it always say 1993? I don't think there was a year when I first looked. There can be lots wrong with a 17 year old craft and the seller thinks it's worth alot more than $3500

 

[45Auto]

Re: Testing a Boat Engine?

If it lives up to the ad, one of you regular posters who is close to it should have already purchased it .........

I would if I were closer!!