Posted by Don Dando on November 07, 2003 at 23:20:36:
In Reply to: Buying a second-hand outboard posted by David McAdam on November 07, 2003 at 17:36:44:
If the seller will let you do a compression check the two clynders should be relatively close to each other and idealilly over 100 psi.
Also check for spark, older Merks have a tendency where the coils crack, get moisture in them and don't function. They can be replaced with after market coils but they are not cheap. I'd check for water in the lower unit, it there is more than a teaspoon, you might be in for some costly gears, bearings and seals.
If all that looks good then the worst you may get into is a carb soaking and cleaning and maybe a fuel pump diaphram.
Don Dando
: I'm looking at an old 20hp mercury blue band engine that is for sale locally. The guy in the shop reckons its from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. He wants €600 for it (600USD or 430GBP). Its a 2 stroke short shaft engine with tiller controls.
: Is there any way I can tell the age of the engine by looking at it? I'm pretty new to outboards so I'm not sure what I should be looking out for in a secondhand engine. Any advice would be appreciated.
: Thanks
: David