Seller ran outboard in barrel with soap

[gwoloshyn]

Im considering purchasing a used outboard. The seller showed me the motor setup in a barrel with lots of dish soap added. He stated its to keep the grease down. Should I be cautious of a leaky lower unit or is this a common practice? I'm guessing it could be used to clean the cooling system OR hide leaking oil.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Seller ran outboard in barrel with soap

I don't think he put the soap in because of a leaky lower unit. There is usually some unburnt fuel/oil in the exhaust passages. Any time I've run a motor in a barrel I've ended up with oil floating on the water and sticking to the lower unit and barrel. Some soap would break up the oil and make cleanup easier. Now, if it's a 4 cycle engine I'd be suspicious.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Seller ran outboard in barrel with soap

Just because it runs in a barrel, ain't the same as a real sea trial under load on the river. That's about the only real way to know if the motor is healthy, as advertised....otherwise, it's a "pig in a poke" Good Luck!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Seller ran outboard in barrel with soap

I don't think he put the soap in because of a leaky lower unit. There is usually some unburnt fuel/oil in the exhaust passages. Any time I've run a motor in a barrel I've ended up with oil floating on the water and sticking to the lower unit and barrel. Some soap would break up the oil and make cleanup easier. Now, if it's a 4 cycle engine I'd be suspicious.

Agree, I run mine with dishwater soap once in awhile- Just cleans up oil residue - Ask him WHY & listen carefully-

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Seller ran outboard in barrel with soap

He just said to keep the grease down. I bought the motor, and will be taking it out for a test run soon. So far, looks like a great unit.