what to look for

[stl]

There was an add in the paper this weekend for a couple of Evinrudes, a 10hp and a 7.5. Both were listed as is. I talked to the guy on the phone and doesn't really know what year they are. They belonged to his father. He thinks they are late 50's early 60's. He says the 10 hp looks almost new but he has never ran it. The 7.5 has been ran but now it needs a new pull start. What do you guys look for when buying outboards. I have rebuilt carbs before and I am pretty sure I can replace water pumps. I am a little shakey on ignition systems, and totally clueless about lower unit problems. What should I look for when I go look at them? Please advise.

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: what to look for

I would try turning fly wheel by hand clockwise. If it turns fine. If it dosent....I would run....not walk....back to my pickemup truck.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Pony]

Re: what to look for

compression check if you can

 

[stl]

Re: what to look for

I have been wanting to ask on this forum how. i am embarrassed to say that I don't know how to do a compression test. I assume it takes a special tool or guage. This stuff is still fairly new to me everything I know I have learned here, and by reading repair manuals. My hands on is minimal.

 

[Pony]

Re: what to look for

http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/008865.html <br /><br />This seemed to help me the first time i tried it.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: what to look for

You need a compression guage, borrowed or bought for 15-20 bucks. If you buy one, follow directions on back of package. <br /><br />If borrowed, remove spark plugs, screw adapter of compression guage into one of the spark plug holes, other end goes into guage. <br /><br />Open throttle wide open and crank like he11. It need not be in water for testing compression. <br /><br />After several good pulls, record guage reading, zero it, and proceed to next spark plug hole. <br /><br />You'd like to see readings around 100 psi. Higher is better. A little lower may not be too bad.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: what to look for

To add, I'd pull the drain plug on the lower unit and see what comes out. Hopefully it's not rusty water. Water/oil emulsion (milky looking) is better, good lube is best. <br /><br />Good luck with it. Come on back after you buy it if you need help.

 

[stl]

Re: what to look for

Do you guys think I can buy a compression guage at a plce like auto zone or does it need to be marine specific? These are great tips, more thoughts are welcome.

 

[stl]

Re: what to look for

Any more advice on lower units, or anything else? I assume parts are still availabe for most of these older motors. Are there any models or years that parts are hard to come by?

 

[KYHunter]

Re: what to look for

Most any auto parts store has them I bought one a few weeks ago for $20.00 at advance auto . Wal-mart here even has them . They work for auto's, boats etc. no difference mine came with 3 different fittings and works just fine.

 

[stl]

Re: what to look for

One more thought. How do you check compression with a broken pull start?

 

[joblo33]

Re: what to look for

You don't. You have to be able to turn the flywheel really fast to do it. Some flywheels have a slot in them so you can just use a rope with a knot in the end wrapped around the flywheel when the recoil is broken.<br />Eric

 

[stl]

Re: what to look for

I found out that Auto Zone has free rental for a copression test guage. You put down 38 bucks and if you return it in 90 days you get all of your money back. If you decide to keep it it is yours for the 38 bucks.