What to check out when looking at engine

[b0mbtrack]

I have to check out a used boat for someone and am wondering what to take a look at as far making sure the engine is ok. It is a merc inline 4 or 6 I forget. I know the guy used to keep everything in mint condition. The engine and the drive were recently complelety rebuilt. I don't think he ran it much after the rebuild so I'm assuming the shop did most of the checks anyway. Its indoors on land and we can run it on land, other than doing compression what should I look at?

 

[ziggy]

Re: What to check out when looking at engine

The engine and the drive were recently complelety rebuilt. I don't think he ran it much after the rebuild so I'm assuming the shop did most of the checks anyway

don't assume anything when buying a boat... check it yourself or have a survey done on it by a professional...

compression
engine oil (before and after water test)
general appearance of engine (oil leaks, wire clusters that appear not from the factory)
riser and manifold (was a bargaining point when i bought my boat. it had rust signs at the bottom of the manifold so i felt like it was about history. it was too)
gages all work.
no overheat on test drive
ease of servicing engine... can ya get at it to work on it.

pressure and vacuum test drive
inspect drive lub for metal shavings
drive and shift cable bellows, water hose
gimble brg, ujoints inspection

that's a few things... i'd guess there's more. someone else will have to chime in on what i've forgotten to include...

might try googleing buying a used boat. you can get some good lists....

once again. don't believe the seller. he has motivation to pull the wool over yer eyes. he wants to sell his boat...

 

[b0mbtrack]

Re: What to check out when looking at engine

Thank you, yeah I always hear horror stories......

 

[chiefalen]

Re: What to check out when looking at engine

The floor solid, pull evry door in the floor and stick a screwdriver in the stringers, they good or rotten.

Water in the floor, foam wet ?

Transom rotten ? Does it look like the drive dropped or the bolts loose, if they are loose then thats a real bad sign test them with a ratchet and socket set you brought with you.

Look on the inside of the bilge with a mirror if you have to, stick a screwdriver in the wood in the back low. Look for the rot if it's there.

Stringers in the bilge area, they good. Motor mounts still good or they drop also ?

Every light should work.

Hows the controls, tight to move.

Take the mirror and look at the oil pan, it rusted ?

Starter also.

Ziggy is good gave great pointers.

 

[JoLin]

Re: What to check out when looking at engine

I have to check out a used boat for someone and am wondering what to take a look at as far making sure the engine is ok. It is a merc inline 4 or 6 I forget. I know the guy used to keep everything in mint condition. The engine and the drive were recently complelety rebuilt. I don't think he ran it much after the rebuild so I'm assuming the shop did most of the checks anyway. Its indoors on land and we can run it on land, other than doing compression what should I look at?

Unless you have survey experience (doesn't sound like you do) why are you taking on this responsibility? I sure wouldn't do it...