Should I buy this boat motor?

Question

I have access to a boat I just need a motor. I found an 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin 1962. Runs strong, idles good, starts easy, and is in good phisical condition,, says the add. do you think I should buy? what should i ask and find out before making the purchase? by the way the boat owner said 18hp is fine for the boat.

Answer 1

Engine is guite a vintage> Parts are hard to find> If needed> And it could be a real issue> Best to have a newer engine which shops will work on> Your call>

Answer 2

I found this motor to be very reliable. Every thing depends on condition. First take off the cover and pull up and down on the flywheel/ If it clunks almost a 1/4 " pass. The flywheel has been removed improperly and shattered the oil lite brass thrust washers are shattered. Next push pull sideways on the flywheel. If it is fairly firm the top bearing is OK. Get a flash light and see if there is oil dripping down the top bearing -That is the top seal. Do a compression test. They should be nearly the same. Make a spark tester and see if the plug wires spark.Now run the motor in a trash can full of water. Close each adjustment nut on the carb and see if you can kill the motor with them. Will the motor run cool- touch the exhaust cover before it gets to hot(if the water pump is dead. Check the paint on the cylinder head -is it burned? Last check the lower oil by breaking loose  the big slotted drain s***w and see what dribbles out. Remove the prop and see if it has the correct shear pin and hasn't run into the lower unit and damaged the gearcase. If it all works , don't loan it out.

Answer 3

Depends on how much you are going to pay for the engine. It is a very old engine, but very dependable. Pay very close attention to the maintenance so it won't need repairs. Also, it uses a 24:1 oil mix. Don't skimp on the oil, thats what protects your engine.

The low value is because some of the parts are hard to find. You will need to search the Internet for parts when you need them, and most likely install them yourself.

If you aren't mechanically inclined, Plan on throwing it away or selling it on EBAY for parts when it breaks.