Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

[jb93]

Hello all. I am looking at several older OMC V4's that an ebay seller refurbishes and sells for $1500-2000. I know these old engines were very reliable, but I am a little unsure of whether or not a "refurbished" mid-late
70's model V4 (85-135) is really going to have much useful life left. It looks like the seller mainly just replaces worn out parts (coils, starters, water pumps, rebuilds carbs and fuel filters and then cleans and paints them). They post compression #'s too. Here is an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974...2QQcategoryZ111125QQihZ011QQitemZ320215468554

I am not looking at this one specifically, just an example. The seller has a great ebay rating, but the motors have no warranty.

What's the general opinion of the issues one might face with this type of refurb...and is this a good idea at the price of $1600?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

Welcome to iboats.

He sells nice motors, and has a great percentage to prove it. It is very hard to please the general public selling outboards, i am quite surprised at his high rating actually.

That being said, his prices are still a bit high. Im not sure how mechanically inclined you are, but you could get a motor a bit cheaper.

Very hard to get a warranty on that vintage motor. That is not to say that they are old by any means. There are MANY members of this forum running MUCH older than that, and they run strong. Just depends on how well they are taken care of.

When you do decide to buy, ensure the compression is good above all else. The guys on here will be able to guide you, a great bunch they are.

Good luck.

 

[jb93]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

Thank you for the feedback. His seller rating is pretty impressive, which does give me some level of comfort. I don't mind paying a little more considering all the work that was done and a fresh paint job. I am just trying to avoid any pitfalls that might come with an older motor that has been "prettied up" but may not have much useful life left. My dad and I used to run a early 80s Johnson 90 V4 and never had a lick of trouble with it...and it got ran hard for several summers of skiing at near WOT. I know how to do basic maintenance and change a powerpak, but I have never have done much beyond that....didn't have to. There looks like a ton of info and smart folks on this board. Again, thanks for the reply.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

i have considered buying several of his motors, the shipping usually kills the deal. the one an only draw back on that particular motor, is, it is hydro-mechanical shift. the shift shaft moves a valve, there is an oil pump in the foot that pumps oil, the valve directs the oil to shift the unit. the pumps rarely go bad, but are around $600. just wanted you to beware of that down fall.

 

[F_R]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

I dunno, it seems like the freight is reasonable considering it includes a wooden crate.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

i'm not saying it is not reasonable, but i end up with too much invested, if i want to turn a completed unit.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Question regarding refurbished OMC V4s

You can do better, if only because the motor lacks power tilt and trim.

You will probably find that getting someone to service that motor will be more difficult than for 1980's 140 motor.

Most of the 1980's V4 motors have tilt and trim. That one does not, and you are looking at at least $500 to add one OEM or CMC.

The lower units on thse motors are no problem, they were and are very reliable and tough, so there are tons of used ones around at less than $400. I even picked up a brand new one, still in the shipping box, for 350.00.