Would you buy a motor from a salvage yard??? PLEASE READ!!!?

Question

I need a motor for a boat that my husband and I purchased recently. There is a marine salvage yard not too far from where we live, that "parts out" boats and sells misc. stuff. (Mostly junk)

There is a 1990 forty hp Johnson that I'd really like and it's in my price range too. I would of course never buy a motor without first hearing it run, but I was told by a friend that the motor can be "tweaked" so it sounds great, but it's really a piece of junk...

He also told me that most of the boats that they "part out" have either crashed, blown up or sunk... Is this true??? I don't want to buy a motor that's gonna c**p out on me, but I also don't want to spend a fortune for something brand new.

I've also checked eBay and craigslist but cannot find as good a deal as this. What should I ask if I decide to go see it? How can I tell if the motor has been "tweaked"? Please help. Any advice is appreciated.

Hey, I know this is a long shot but is anyone selling one? I live in NY

Answer 1

A 1990 two stroke outboard is about 18 years old?  The reason it is a good deal is that it is in a scrap yard.  

You are going out onto the water where it is really nice, but your safety is what you think you are worth.  If you don't want to spend the money on something reliable, then you aren't worth much (I really don't think you rate yourself that low)

If you look around a bit now that winter is coming on, you can find some deals on late model four-stroke engine outboards that you will be much happier and safer with.  

A good small "Kicker" is a good backup just in case.  That is a three to five horsepower outboard that can get you to shore in case the bigger motor quits and a storm is coming up, not to mention a good VHF radio.  

You would not believe how scary it is for folks to be dead in the water when a storm is coming...

Answer:  Glad you don't have a motor then

Answer 2

If your getting an engine and its not installed do yourself a favor and do an overhaul on it, rings bearing and gaskets as well as a valve job it be safe. The boat engine have special gasket to help the life of it when its in the salt water if used there. Whats wrong with the one you have? you can OH it just as cheap as a used one that likely wont last long anyway. OH is very easy when its out on a stand. Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 3

You should have a shop check the following:

Compression on each cylinder.

Rod end play on each cyl.

Vacuum and pressure test gearcase.

Check waterpump and thermostat operation.

Check over-heat buzzer for proper operation.

Check ignition for spark on all cylinders.

A good trained visual inspection.

These tasks take less than an hour to perform in labor, and a lube-change for the gearcase.

Lube costs about ten bucks and labor costs forty or fifty bucks.

AFTER YOU HAVE THESE CHECKS:

Have the owner take you out for a ride and run at high speed for a few minutes, listen for buzzers, noises, etc.

If it runs and sounds okay, you'll probably be allright.

When you buy anything used; well you know how it goes.

AFTER YOU PURCHASE THE USED Motor

Go back to the shop and have the carbs rebuilt; your fuel supply is your lubrication in a two-stroke outboard motor.

On that year Johnson or Evinrude motor, I would recommend having the oil-injection disconnected and mixing the gas and oil my-self.

The Variable Ratio Oiler has destroyed more than it's share of powerheads.

OMC should "Bite the Bullet" and change to a mechanical, Crankshaft driven, oil injection system.

By the way have a certified outboard tech. disconnect the VRO, tell him you still want to use the VRO pump for your fuel pump.

Good Luck and Hope this helps,

Answer 4

Remember this is a boat!!!! It's not like you can pull over to the side of the road if it breaks down! Think safety!!!!

Remember any item from a salvage yard is either fire damamged / sunk

avoid at all cost's

Answer 5

never trust a used boat motor like that, you must talk to the person that owned it, or walk away.

Answer 6

usually they come with a lil warrenty , ask about , if you hear it run and it sounds fine it probly is , good luck ;)

Answer 7

I really don't know.  Maybe you can ask the people there where it came from.  And if you get it, know how to install or get it done somewhere else.  Once you buy it, bring to a boat store and have it checked over.

Answer 8

As with buying any used engine a little common sense and a little knowledge is good.

I would take along another person that has some mechanical knowledge of these, but don't overdo it.

If it runs OK and sounds good it probably is.

Don't discount it because it is close. They are in the business and will want a satisfied customer. A seller you haven't met only wants your money.

I would get it checked over, the oil replaced in the foot, and run some fuel conditioner through it.

Otherwise enjoy it.

If it needs major repairs, you may as well buy a little better one rather than trying to rebuild it as these can get expensive.

The owner will usually let you take it for a short test ride.

You may consider stopping off at a repair shop at this time and asking for a quick once over from the service writer.

Most will do this for free and give you their opinion.

Just remember they will be trying to sell you one of their units and sometimes their comments are a bit slanted that way.