When buying a used outboard motor, inspect the lower unit and propeller for damage, check for signs of overheating, and run the engine in a barrel or on a boat to test the transmission and water pump. Check for water in the lower unit and perform a compression test to detect wear.
Making sure that the best used outboard motors are purchased requires careful examination and attention to detail. The first area to inspect is the lower unit, including the propeller. Many second hand outboards will have broken chips and damaged propeller blades. Any outboard motor that shows signs of overheating, such as burned and peeling paint in the cylinder head area, should also be considered a high-risk purchase.
If possible, it’s always wise to start and run used outboard motors before you buy them. By operating the engine in a barrel of water, it is possible to verify that the water pump is working. It is also possible to change gear and determine whether the transmission works or not. Any overheat condition can be seen on used outboard motors in a matter of minutes. Occasionally the spark plugs will foul and the head gaskets begin to leak as the engine begins to warm up. Cracked heads and cylinder blocks can also be detected on second hand outboard motors after a short operation in a water tank.
Any opportunity to operate a motor on a boat is a bonus. By pressing the weight of a boat and passengers, a transmission problem can be easily identified. Slipping out of gear while under power is also a sure sign of a transmission problem. Some of these problems can be easily rectified, but others may require extensive and expensive repair. This is why it is important to run the engine in both forward and reverse.
Whether it is in a boat or a barrel, it is advisable to pull out the plug of the lower unit after operating the motor and check if there is water. Many times second hand outboard motors will have cracks and bad seals on the lower unit. This will allow water to seep in while the motor is running and can potentially damage the gears. Checking the oil for signs of water contamination can be as easy as examining the oil for traces of foam, milky consistency, or actual water escaping from the lower unit before the oil begins to drain.
Performing a compression test on used outboard motors is an easy task and can reveal signs of cylinder or piston ring wear. A cylinder loss test can also show the integrity of the cylinder. Bad head gaskets inside used outboard motors will be detected by poor readings on either test.
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