need technical advice on buying used outboard - any good books/manuals out there

Bart Hoskins

Recruit
Joined
Jun 26, 2002
Messages
1
Hello all,<br /><br />I am trying to buy a small outboard (4-8hp, used) for my son's 10' Achilles inflatable. I don't know how to do a compression check or what to look for in the way of danger signs. Are there any good books, manuals, etc. that anyone can recommend for the mechanically challenged? Is anyone able to point me to something with pictures showing what is what?<br /><br />Thanks! :( :confused:
 

Down South

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2001
Messages
333
Re: need technical advice on buying used outboard - any good books/manuals out t

Re: need technical advice on buying used outboard - any good books/manuals out t

Hi Bart,<br />Doing a compression test is pretty easy. You can either borrow a compression guage or buy one. Sears and most auto parts stores have them. Since you won't be using it much, I'd try to borrow one if possible.<br /><br />To preform the compression test, crank and warm the motor up. Just make sure you either have the muffs hooked to it or have the motor in the water while it's running. After the motor has warmed up, shut it down and remove the spark plug or spark plugs then ground the plug wires. Screw the compression tester into the spark plug hole, Open the throttle on the motor and pull the crank cord. You may need to pull the crank cord several times to obtain the highest reading. If the motor has more cylinders, repeat the process for each one. <br /><br />Since you are looking for a used motor, one of the best test is a test run. Before you buy it. get the owner to let you take it out and lake test it. Run it for at least thirty minutes at WOT and other throttle settings. If there is a problem with the motor it will most likely show up in the test run.<br /><br />Good luck and welcome to the board :)
 
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