Would you buy a rebuit motor?

[Otis357]

Im cross posting this one from Mercury Outboards since it may be a more appropriate forum to ask in... and it wasnt getting any response in the other forum


Looking at a used 16' Legend with a 1999 Merc 40hp 2 stroke. The owner says the lower unit was replaced in 2006, and the powerhead completely replaced in 2008. Says he found a rock, and had to have the lower unit replaced and due to a strange vibration had the powerhead replaced as well 2 seasons later. It was rebuilt at a large marina, and he has receipts to confirm the work was done...

Boat itself looks to be in great shape... Taking it out for a sea trial this weekend to make sure everything works as it should and hear the motor.

Im new to boating, so am curious what you guys think about buying a motor with this type of history. If I spend the $250 to have the boat checked and safety done, does it usually cover the mechanical aspects of the engine, or just the boat and electrical?

Thanks... Jon

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

A survey should include the engine as well as all other aspects of the boat. However, what appears normal today may not be normal tomorrow so a failure a week from now does not mean the inspector failed at his/her job. Compression tests of the engine should be insisted upon. After a long hard run -- immediately shut the engine down and read the spark plugs. A lean/rich conditiion should be immediately apparent. The lower unit drain plug shoujld be pulled to check for water (milky lube). That would indicate leaky lower unit seals. Ensure the oil injection system is working. The oil and temp alarms should also be tested.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

Would I buy a rebuilt engine? YES, but I would factor that into my price. I not only buy used engines, some rebuilt, but rebuild them myself. Very rarely do I find a correctly rebuilt engine unless it is a new block bought from the factory. You would not believe the things I have found in rebuilt engines--yes, some by pros too.

For example: I bought one engine that was rebuilt and had plain babbit bearings installed. It probably ran less than five minutes before destroying itself. All auto engines use babbit bearings and they are the best for a pressure oil system like in an auto engine BUT in a mist oil system like a two cycle outboard the engine must have rollers.

So again, yes, I would buy it but yes, I would pay less.

Now, if you were to get an engine rebuilt by a guy like me it would be in better than factory new condition. No, I am not patting myself on the back, I am just a bit anal and obsessive/compulsive about how things are done.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

On the powerhead, rebuilt or replaced with a new powerhead? You used both terms in the OP.

That said, it might not make much difference, depending on who did the rebuild.

 

[Otis357]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

Thanks for the replies.... You're right Bassman... I did use the wrong term, so Ill repost from the original ad:
"40 HP MERCURY 2 STROKE (NEW LOWER UNIT IN 2006 AND COMPLETELY REBUILD ENGINE POWERHEAD IN 2008, HAVE RECEIPTS). "

 

[5150abf]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

I would consider it since it was redone at a marina and not his buddy Jimmys garage and it has run for 3 years so they much have done it right, if ti was freshly rebuilt I would wonder about that.

 

[cdn-pk]

Re: Would you buy a rebuit motor?

agreed with 5150, even with my used vehicles, if a guy gets something rebuilt to sell, i NEVER buy... (unless it's so cheap that i can rip it apart and redo it myself). also will not buy if guy did it himself or had a buddy do it..... (unless it's so cheap that i can rip it apart and redo it myself).

but if it was rebuilt at a reputable place with receipts so i can see parts itemized, and the guy kept it and used it for a few years, then i would seriously consider it.

just my two cents,