rebuilt outboard engines

[mrjigger]

I am looking at buying a used boat. However, the one thing that is holding me back is that the outboard engine has been rebuilt. I have had people tell me that its not really that big of a deal. Any opinions or comments?

[marine_man]

If done properly it shouldn't be a big deal... what I would check into is if the marine dealer / mechanic did the rebuild themselves, or if they purchased a rebuilt block and just re-installed the electrical components, etc. If it's #2 then you should be in really good shape as they typically have a warranty on the rebuilt block...

If the mechanic / marine dealer did it them self make sure it's a reputable place, and that they found the problem that caused the need for a rebuild and fixed the problem...

marine_man

[mrjigger]

Thanks for the info Marine-man. Is there anything I should have them do as far as testing the engine to make sure it was rebuilt properly?

[marine_man]

If possible I'd just try and find out what the original problem was that required a rebuild... and who did the rebuild. What I've heard of happening (for example) is that an oil pump goes out on a 2 stroke.. the dealer rebuilds the block but doesn't ever figure out the problem is with the oil pump and 100 hours later the engine needs to be rebuilt again.

One other thing you'll want to be sure of is if they've run the double oil (if oil injected, running oil in the gas for the first tank or two of gas, depending on the size of the motor / fuel tank)mix through already or not...

marine_man

[Rost]

Marine-Man has a few good points. Also, usually after a rebuild, they will do either a "leak down" or "compression" test. Ask to see the results. Or take it to a dealer and have them perform these tests. They can be a good indicater of your motor's condition.

[Valv]

Compression test is probably only way to find out aboiut your motor.

It could have been rebuilt 3 years ago, or last yera, if it was overheated it will still be a bad motor.

Compression test results will have to show measurements even for all cylinders or within 10% plus or minus (usually minus).

Definitely ask as Marine_Man says why they rebuilt it....

[mrjigger]

thanks everyone, one more question. Once they perform the

compression test, is there such a thing as good measurements and bad measurements? What should the measurements be? or is it more important that they are all somewhat even.

[marine_man]

I would request a leak down test, which is where they pressurize the cylinder and measure the percentage leak on that cylinder ie - how much is getting by the rings, etc...

Anything more than 10% leak I'd probably stay away especially on a rebuilt motor... if nothing else (ie - more than 10% leak and you're comfortable with that) all cylinders should be within 3-5% of each other... if one is different by a lot that cylinder has problems.

less leak = better

marine_man

[BarryG]

I bought my boat used, it worked fine for the 1st yr, then it started acting up. Took it to a friend and he said it had to be rebuilt had it done and now it runs great! He also saved the old parts and showed me why it was bad! He said you have a brand new motor in an old body!