Re: How to checkout a used O/B?
Its good to hear you are carefull buying outboards used.<br /><br />Best way to examine a used outboard is sea trial, including 10 - 20 min at WOT. Not having this possibility, combined with no warranty, usually lowers price considerably.<br /><br />I would:<br /><br />1: Check compression, which on a tripple looper like this, from new was 150 in all three, but on a good used, between 130 and 145, all three showing compression within 10 PSI. As gages can read different, advise is it should always be above 100, but thats low.<br /><br />2: check spark. At best get hold of a spark tester, and check that all the sparks can jump 7/16 gap when starter is crancking motor.<br /><br />3: Check lower unit oil. Remove lower unit drain plug and be sure oil is clear, not milky or water containing. I like to see a little dirty oil, then I know its not changed with this control as reason.<br /><br />Besides from that ?? Does it look used or abused. Wat this motor ever serviced ? Why is it for sale ?<br /><br />Be aware that 3 and 4 cylinders outboard can iddle on muffs, in a way that makes it very difficult to determine if all cylinders do their part of the common work.<br /><br />All that being said, the tripple looper is a very fine design, and a strong and economical motor.
