splashhopper Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 I have started watching Kijiji for small boats(12-14ft) with a motor or a sq back canoe with motor. If I end up with a tin boat, I my want a trailer, otherwise it will go on the roof of my van.( I think?) Many of the listings in my price range( under 1500 complete) say the motor " runs but just needs a tuneup". Assuming the motor isn't euchered, what is involved in a tuneup for an outboard motor and can I do one on these myself? I am fairly handy with a wrench. What else should I be asking about with the motor? If the boat is on land, how can i tell if it is leaking or not? Thanks Splashhopper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sully Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 I just bought a small 12 footer. guy seemed honest enough, went to his house to see it. not water tested and the price was right. He'd be a fool to lie about the boat as I KNOW WHERE HE LIVES... had to go by his word on the boat, which is ok. I've got an older 1985-ish 6hp motor. all it needs is fresh gas and the oil changed every season, pull the plugs and replace or clean 'em up, aside from that its pretty easy to maintain a small outboard. mine fires right up after 2 or 3 pulls when I pull it out of the garage after a long cold winter. small engines are pretty-much bulletproof. good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 I would be a little worried with that. If it just needed a tuneup why didn't they do it and say that it runs perfect. People also say that because it runs like and that sounds better then "needs TLC" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattletrap2 Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Oh man, I would run from anything like that unless I knew the person! "just needs a tune-up" could mean anything from something minor to no compression! Small motors need compression in order to make fuel flow. for example. I know, I was fooled once by the later on an old Johnson 10 HP. Even running it in a drum is risky. If you can't open her up, you still won't know. Be very careful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Oh man, I would run from anything like that unless I knew the person!"just needs a tune-up" could mean anything from something minor to no compression! Small motors need compression in order to make fuel flow. for example. I know, I was fooled once by the later on an old Johnson 10 HP. Even running it in a drum is risky. If you can't open her up, you still won't know. Be very careful! You took the words right out of my mouth RT2! Needs a tune up prolly means the compression (rings and valves) is shot. Be very leery of this!!! I wouldn't look at anything that doesn't say the motor runs good or great... and then still be cautious! Buy a set of muffs (you're going to need them anyway) to take with you when you look at a motor and ask if you can crank it, a compression gauge would be a very good idea as well. Take some screw drivers with you and ask if you can look at the dope in the foot, if it's cloudy/milky or has metal shavings in it run away! I got burnt on my first motor and wished I had done these things... I hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splashhopper Posted August 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 [ I wouldn't look at anything that doesn't say the motor runs good or great... and then still be cautious! Buy a set of muffs (you're going to need them anyway) to take with you when you look at a motor and ask if you can crank it, a compression gauge would be a very good idea as well. Take some screw drivers with you and ask if you can look at the dope in the foot, if it's cloudy/milky or has metal shavings in it run away! I got burnt on my first motor and wished I had done these things... I hope this helps! Muffs? Foot? ,, being the end where the prop is attached? Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Water testing the boat and motor is the only way of knowing what you are about to purchase is good or NOT..... If they don't want you water testing the "bargain" there is a reason for that and I'm sure you know what it is.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish4Eyes Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 When I bought my boat, it never wanted to idle. When I mentioned it to the owner he said "it just needs a tune up". Sure enough I was replacing a VRO pump, and a bunch of other things and it still likes to cut out from time to time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC1OZ Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 The question you have to ask yourself if it was really something minor why wouldn't he have it fixed himself and claim its a great motor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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