How much to pay for low compression outboards?

[bryanwess2000]

How much are you guys offering for non-running outboards 70-200hp? Usually I offer more for a good compression motor
that just will not crank. I assume it's a carb problem if the electrical checks out. If not, electrical components are
expensive but easier to change than pistons. I can't understand paying more than $200-500 a motor for one that has
low compression and could possibly require a complete rebuild. I occasionally post a WTB rebuildable/nonrunning outboards
ad on CL but most people want almost as much as a good running motor for their needing to be rebuilt motor. So I'm
curious how you guys find rebuildable motors for what their worth, which is very little in my opinion.

To me there's a lot of risk involved buying a motor with low or no compression. If the crank or rods are not reusable you
have yourself a motor to part out. Unless it's a low time motor the bores are going to be worn around the ports and the
top of cylinder and will need resizing. Then you have to factor in the cost of boring and honing and new pistons bearings
seals, Etc. Lets not forget the amount of labor it takes to tear a powerhead down, check everything, clean it, and then
reassemble it. Are the people that offer these blown powerheads oblivious to whats required to rebuild one right? I'm
guessing they haven't checked to see what their cores are worth to a remanufacturer.

Even if you part them out you have to tear down the motor and check out the parts, so when you factor in your time
your not going to make much money outside of selling the lower unit. I usually offer them maybe a little less than the
lower unit Could sell for quickly. If you guys have any tips on how to bring these people back to reality let me know.

 

[dkonrai]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

i am the king of the hundo motors. i wont pay more than a hundred bucks for a motor. i have bought two seized motors that were almost zero hour motors, that were barn finds.
as for picking up blown motors, i havent crossed that road yet. too much work. it is hard to find decent motors for 100 or less but they are out there. i noticed that three years ago there used to be alot of them on cl. recently not too many.
dont be afraid to offer less. peeps think a blown motor is worth 500, but when u see them, make a offer, they will mostly give in. last motor is hanging off my bayliner, 1989 mercury 45hp classic 50. got it complete, new prop, low hours, tilt, controls all for 100.00. it needs a complete ignition. im starting with the switch box first.
i have found motors at garage sales, but mostly off cl. i live in california, the bay area.
dino

 

[ondarvr]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

How much to pay for low compression outboards?

An actual blown motor, nothing, they typically aren't worth rebuilding. If I need parts off one, maybe $100.00

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

I buy larger engines, in the 50-HP 150 range. Price will vary for non-runners from 50-100 if I don't need anything. I will buy them for future parts needs. If the engine has a functioning power T/T or has something I need, then I would go higher. AND if I am buying it for rebuild for myself, I will go a couple of hundred or more. Latest aquisition is a 5 cylinder Force 150 with two bad pistons--300-- but head was off and I could see the damage.

Sometimes I will take a gamble--I'm still living with a seized OMC 175 that I bought for 300, regretted, and parted out. But eventually I will recover my money plus a little bit more.


If the seller wants more I will make him a fair offer and if he doesn't take it---so be it. Someone else will eventually want it.
There are too many engines out there to worry about overpriced ones and you are not going to convince the owner of the real value of the engine. They argue that the parts are worth more than the whole engine and this is true, but my reply is then: But why don't you take the time to part it out?

 

[dkonrai]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

I buy larger engines, in the 50-HP 150 range. Price will vary for non-runners from 50-100 if I don't need anything. I will buy them for future parts needs. If the engine has a functioning power T/T or has something I need, then I would go higher. AND if I am buying it for rebuild for myself, I will go a couple of hundred or more. Latest aquisition is a 5 cylinder Force 150 with two bad pistons--300-- but head was off and I could see the damage.

Sometimes I will take a gamble--I'm still living with a seized OMC 175 that I bought for 300, regretted, and parted out. But eventually I will recover my money plus a little bit more.


If the seller wants more I will make him a fair offer and if he doesn't take it---so be it. Someone else will eventually want it.
There are too many engines out there to worry about overpriced ones and you are not going to convince the owner of the real value of the engine. They argue that the parts are worth more than the whole engine and this is true, but my reply is then: But why don't you take the time to part it out?

my thoughts exactly. if the seller thinks the motor is worth more in parts, then i just leave or dont even look at the motor. i am still mad at my wife, went to pick up a small evi 4hp. the guy asks me if i want this 78/evi/135hp motor. the wife says NO, i call the guy when i get home and its gone. moral to the story, never bring your wife when buying motors
dino

 

[bryanwess2000]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

I get that a lot, the tilt is worth this and the lower unit is worth this. I guess they fail to realize the time it takes to strip a motor down and that time has to be factored in when pricing parts. They also don't seem to understand the time value of money invested, and opportunity cost. The idea of rebuilding motors and reselling them is most likely not going to be very profitable especially for the time and risk involved. I think my time will be better spent working overtime, no capital risk involved there.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

You are right-on about overtime: The last two years before I retired, I was working 12-7. I effectively doubled my salary, got myself out of debt, and maxed out my 401K. It was a gold mine and was the primary reason I COULD retire at 65.

Now, retired, I have the time but I still look at is as a cost---My time is worth money. So is the cost of holding parts for inventory. Now, my friend will drive an hour to buy a 200 dollar engine. He will sell it for whatever he can get. He makes money, but I still can't convince him that the gas to get the engine plus his time need to be factored into the cost--either purchase cost or sale price.

 

[dkonrai]

Re: How much to pay for low compression outboards?

dont know what u guys are paying at the pump, bay area regular gas averages 4.50 gallon. i gas at costcos and its a little better, 4.15 gal. so if your buddy drives a hour, or 60 miles, at say 20mpg?, 120 miles round trip, almost 30 bucks in gas alone. hmmm. plus two hours?