Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

[JCFlorsch4]

I have been searching for a project boat for my father and I to work on since last spring. Now that I have found a boat that my father wants, I'm uncertain as to how to test the outboard during winter.

I believe the outboard is a 1983 or 1985 Evinrude 70hp (waiting for confirmation on year from owner). The current owner tells me that the outboard was serviced by his mechanic and he was told it is in good running condition but could use a new intake screen. I'm not concerned about the intake screen as it is a rather easy repair and while I have the lower unit off I could put a new impeller or water pump in to be safe.

My question is how to examine the outboard during the winter freezing temperatures. I have never done a compression test on an outboard that has been sitting all winter. Its my understanding that the outboard should be warm before doing the compression test, but I can't run the motor. The outboard was winterized and the temps are still freezing here in upstate NY. So, without being able to actually run the motor all I can do is a cold compression test?

Any suggestions from anyone that has purchased a used outboard during winter? If all I can do is hook up a new battery and do the compression test with a cold outboard, what reading should I be looking for? Yes, I know it varies by guage and so long as each cylinder is within 10% of the others it should be safe. But will the freezing temps significantly impact the reading?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's a 3 1/2 drive for me to look at the outboard and I really don't want to waste that much time if I'm not confident in what I'm doing.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

Just turn it over by hand a few times to give it time to free up the rings properly (spray some warm two stroke oil mix in if you can) and then you should be good to test the compression.
Seeing how it runs is the biggest tell tale.
Can you get them to just idle/rev it for up for you so you can check its sparking well and has no stuttering/stalling?

 

[JCFlorsch4]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

The seller has no issue with me testing compression but will not let the outboard run as its freezing out and he does not want any water in it. The fact the outboard hasn't been run in months and will be cold at the time of compression testing won't impact the readings?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

It shouldnt be much less than a normal cold compression test, get him to keep it in the garage for the night if you can. Make sure you get some oil 2 stroke mix cranking through it.
All cylinders will be affected by it evenly so if you see any difference over 10% or so expect a problem. Your total compression reading shouldnt be down much so just use your judgement on that. Im not sure what an ok compression reading is on that motor.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

walk away, or pay the price as if the motor was NOT running.

water drains from an outboard , there are no feezing spots.....i run my outboards all winter long....5 degrees outside....

maybe it is tough to hook up water through a garden hose....but there is not excuse because of the outboard

checking compression and spark are thge two big tests....after that you maybe looking at carb issues if the motor wont run..

buyer beware

bob

 

[boobie]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

Take an open air gap spark tester with you so you can check that at the same time. Set it a 7/16'". You can buy one at a parts house for around $8.00.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

check the compression as already suggested, if that's good then decide if you want it if it runs, if you do tell him you will buy it if it runs and rewinterizing will not be his problem, I tested my 15 hp I bought last year this time with snow on the ground, the po took his hose in the garage till it thawed, then ran it on muffs. after it started and ran and was peeing from the telltale I handed him the money and put it in my truck. I gave him $550 for it, if he would have refused to run it I would have offered no more than $100 and left if no deal. to make long story short ^ "walk away, or pay the price as if the motor was NOT running"

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

As has already been mentioned it won't hurt an outboard engine to run in below freezing temperatures, it's done all the time. Nearly every last drop of water will drain from after it's done running.

Another option to consider is taking the engine to a dealer or shop and paying them to run it in a tank or on a dyno, checking compression, etc. etc. and look for any issues.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

been thinking about VRO and auto mix motors. I believe that may be enough to walk away, particularly if all the risk is on you -- if that motor has or had that system. I'm not sure you can really determine if the motor was damaged by the system -- compression test maybe, in combination with a history you believe from the seller? hate to see a fellow upstater get burned. Too cautious? way too cautious? paranoid?

 

[racerone]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

If it is an 83 it will not have VRO.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Winter Purchase - how to test outboard without running

that's good info, Racerone. Is there a site or link that shows what motors had (have?) VRO or similar? thanks. Must be a class action somewhere.