Buy 4-stroke that hasn't been started in years?

[AlexB]

What's up guys?

I'm in the market for a 10-15 HP 4-stroke, and a 2008 Nissan just showed up on Craigslist less than a mile from my house. The only (potential) problem is that it hasn't been started in 3 years, and I have no way of confirming it was stored properly.

I assume that...

- Carb likely needs cleaning/servicing
- Gas should be drained and refilled
- Check spark plugs, and clean/swap as needed
- An oil change might be a good idea?

Am I missing anything?

Would it be a bad idea to try to start the thing before doing about of the above?

In other words, should I insist on seeing the motor run before buying it, or do I risk damaging the motor if I start it without servicing first?

Any general tips for this situation?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Alex


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[perchjerker]

I would go look at it, talk to the owner. How do you know you cant confirm it was not stored properly?

I would check it out and assess the situation from there

If I liked it, I would check the oil, pull the plugs, squirt a little oil in the cylinders, turn it over a few times then put the plugs back in, fresh gas, put the lower unit in water and try starting it, see what happens

you did not mention water pump impeller or lower unit lube

add those to the check list

 

[AlexB]

Thank for the reply.

I guess it's entirely possible the engine was stored properly, but I'd pretty much have to take the sellers word for it.

Are you suggesting I go through the steps you listed above BEFORE buying?

If so, I guess I should plan to show up with a can of gas, a can of oil (recommended type/brand?), a box of basic tools, and a big trash can to fill with water.




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[perchjerker]

Well you asked for opinions. That's mine.

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[perchjerker]

I also said I would check it out and access the situation. Do what you want

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[Johnny]

Edit: you have not said the year or cost of this motor.
for a cheap motor under $200 just take it home and hope for the best.
over a $1,000 I would ensure it was running and pumping water prior
to handing over any money...... jus my Dos Centavos

in the past decades, I have taken the sellers word on many
transactions and got bit in the hiney more times that anyone should.
if you are BOLD - take some fresh gear oil and a pan and ask if you
can drain the lower case oil - and you replace it with new.
if it is milky or has actual water in the foot - give the new oil to the
seller and walk away - UNLESS - you know how to change the
lower seals yourself and you can use that for bargaining leverage.
oh - it takes a BIG arse screwdriver or special ratchet socket to get that oil screw out.
do not use your standard flat tip screwdriver or you risk ruining the screw slot.
I am guessing it is still in the garage or barn and not on a boat transom ???
then, it will be hard to start and run unless he has a motor stand and drum.
Rubber impellers have a way of going brittle over a short storage period.

with any used motor, there is no way to tell of abuse - such as an overheat,
water in the pistons, etc etc etc


tread carefully - let us know how it goes

 

[gunz]

if you cant check it out first, then like anything else you need to be able to buy it cheap enough to fix issues that you didn't know about. If I buy a motorcycle that doesn't run, I pay junk price since I am taking all the risk. If they want more money, then they should get it running first.

 

[perchjerker]

in the past decades, I have taken the sellers word on many
transactions and got bit in the hiney more times that anyone should.
if you are BOLD - take some fresh gear oil and a pan and ask if you
can drain the lower case oil - and you replace it with new.
if it is milky or has actual water in the foot - give the new oil to the
seller and walk away - UNLESS - you know how to change the
lower seals yourself and you can use that for bargaining leverage.
oh - it takes a BIG arse screwdriver or special ratchet socket to get that oil screw out.
do not use your standard flat tip screwdriver or you risk ruining the screw slot.
I am guessing it is still in the garage or barn and not on a boat transom ???
then, it will be hard to start and run unless he has a motor stand and drum.
Rubber impellers have a way of going brittle over a short storage period.

with any used motor, there is no way to tell of abuse - such as an overheat,
water in the pistons, etc etc etc

tread carefully - let us know how it goes

this is why I said I would access the situation.

if the seller knows the motor well and just has not used it and its been stored properly and he knows what he is talking about that is one thing

If its some person that inherited the motor and has no idea anything about it thats another

a little common sense goes a long way, I am not suggesting you haul around a garbage can and a full set of tools

gimme a break lol

 

[Al U Minium]

Look for burned paint on the engine, if it overheated bad it can cook the paint. Look at the pulll rope to see if the rope is frazzled from lots of use. Look at the prop to see if it is sand blasted from too many shallow water trips. Is the bottom fin broken or gouged from trailer/launch or abuse damage. If corroded from salt water use that is not good, as it is on the outside likely same or worse on the inside and every bolt will be shear misery to take apart. Look at the ignition coils to see if they are cracked. Fresh grease, touch up paint, waxed from excellent care? And all that before it runs. And only use your own mechanic for inspections.

 

[AlexB]

in the past decades, I have taken the sellers word on many
transactions and got bit in the hiney more times that anyone should.
if you are BOLD - take some fresh gear oil and a pan and ask if you
can drain the lower case oil - and you replace it with new.
if it is milky or has actual water in the foot - give the new oil to the
seller and walk away - UNLESS - you know how to change the
lower seals yourself and you can use that for bargaining leverage.
oh - it takes a BIG arse screwdriver or special ratchet socket to get that oil screw out.
do not use your standard flat tip screwdriver or you risk ruining the screw slot.
I am guessing it is still in the garage or barn and not on a boat transom ???
then, it will be hard to start and run unless he has a motor stand and drum.
Rubber impellers have a way of going brittle over a short storage period.

with any used motor, there is no way to tell of abuse - such as an overheat,
water in the pistons, etc etc etc

tread carefully - let us know how it goes

this is why I said I would access the situation.

if the seller knows the motor well and just has not used it and its been stored properly and he knows what he is talking about that is one thing

If its some person that inherited the motor and has no idea anything about it thats another

a little common sense goes a long way, I am not suggesting you haul around a garbage can and a full set of tools

gimme a break lol

Sorry dude... Didn't mean to sound like I was brushing off your suggestions, just making sure I understood you. I actually didn't think hauling around a few tools and a garbage can was a bad idea, so that I could see it start up and run.


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[stinkfoot]

It's is not a bad idea and if the seller won't let you run it then don't bother going any further.

 

[Johnny]

from what I see, you have not mentioned the price of this gem yet.
In my world, price would dictate how much investigation I would
put into it. . . . . is this 2008 Nissan a 2 or 4 stroke ?? what HP ?
where are you from? are there submerged logs and rocks in your waters?
A beat up lower unit would be the result of running over such stuff
which could result in hidden damage of prop or drive shaft.

The one that bit me the worst was a 1979 Johnson 25hp, with controls.
It was on a stand but the wire harness was not connected. It pulled over
easily with the rope, looked good, fresh paint job made it look pretty,
under the hood looked good too - freshly power washed...... $600.00.
okay - this is what I learned from that fiasco:
if the motor is supposed to be white, and the block has gray paint = OVERHEAT
scorched or scarred piston sleeves would be the result = low compression
oil in the gearcase is milky = leaking seals
very weak pee stream = bad impeller = OVERHEAT
silver metal shavings in the gear oil = possible broken teeth on the gears.
(the gear case foot has a small "sump" at the bottom, so all the big pieces
of metal will be in that area and will not come out with the oil).
also, spinning the prop slowly with your finger should be free and
smooth - any kind of "bump" or "binding" feel could mean a bent
prop shaft. - which will destroy the bearings in short order.

This was maybe 30 years ago - - - I often reflect back to the day that I sold
that POS motor for $100.00 just to get out from under it and move on.

In the future, if you find a boat or motor "less than a mile from your house",
just ride on over there on your bicycle and talk to the seller !!
take some photos, ask some relevant questions, then come back here with
your findings and then the gallery can give you more accurate feedback.
Also, if you look around and see if he has other motors or lawn equipment,
that "may or may not" give you an idea of how he takes care of his stuff.
Ask for a gentleman's agreement of 24 hours for you to take it home and inspect it
and you will return it in better condition than when you bought it (won't hurt to ask).
Edit: and a personal thought, "hauling around a few tools, rags and a garbage can is not a bad idea,
so that you could see it start up and run" - with a short piece of hose to siphon out the water.

as you progress through the Nautical Ring of Fire of owning half a dozen motors,
you will gain the experience of what and what not to do......

best of luck in all your endeavors !!!






.

 

[perchjerker]

in the past decades, I have taken the sellers word on many
transactions and got bit in the hiney more times that anyone should.
if you are BOLD - take some fresh gear oil and a pan and ask if you
can drain the lower case oil - and you replace it with new.
if it is milky or has actual water in the foot - give the new oil to the
seller and walk away - UNLESS - you know how to change the
lower seals yourself and you can use that for bargaining leverage.
oh - it takes a BIG arse screwdriver or special ratchet socket to get that oil screw out.
do not use your standard flat tip screwdriver or you risk ruining the screw slot.
I am guessing it is still in the garage or barn and not on a boat transom ???
then, it will be hard to start and run unless he has a motor stand and drum.
Rubber impellers have a way of going brittle over a short storage period.

with any used motor, there is no way to tell of abuse - such as an overheat,
water in the pistons, etc etc etc

tread carefully - let us know how it goes

this is why I said I would access the situation.

if the seller knows the motor well and just has not used it and its been stored properly and he knows what he is talking about that is one thing

If its some person that inherited the motor and has no idea anything about it thats another

a little common sense goes a long way, I am not suggesting you haul around a garbage can and a full set of tools

gimme a break lol

Sorry dude... Didn't mean to sound like I was brushing off your suggestions, just making sure I understood you. I actually didn't think hauling around a few tools and a garbage can was a bad idea, so that I could see it start up and run.


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its all cool man. what happened? did you look at it?

 

[AlexB]

Unfortunately (or fortunately), it got sold to another buyer.

Thanks again for the advice. It will be helpful next time. Gotta move QUICK!


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