Test run a used outboard ?

T

TJM

Member
Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2909
Messages
498
I am buying a 2006, 20 HP, 4 stroke Honda outboard from a private seller. Is there any risk to me to just test run it on the ear muffs as opposed to running it in the water on a boat ?

The seller is inland and getting it on a boat in the water will be challenging.
 
Personally, I'd prefer to have it in the water and run it under load. But, if that's just not practical a Honda is fairly bullet proof so I wouldn't run away if it's in good condition.

Bob
 
If you can't test it in the water it would be a good idea to do a compression test.
 
Bob already covered just what I was going to say.

I wouldn't sweat the compression test too much on an '06 20HP 4 stroke Honda. That motor will either run well or not at all. And if not at all, I'd be surprised if it was due to low compression - that just doesn't really happen as a result of strictly normal wear on those smaller Honda 4 strokes. For lower range outboards, Honda pretty much rules the world.

Put it on muffs or in a trash can full of water, take the cowling off and make sure it really is cold, then let her rip. Just don't put it in gear on the muffs - not just a safety thing, but a 'likely to damage the motor' thing. In a trash can or other test tank don't exceed idle in gear.
 
The motor ran great but the gear selector was on the housing, (F-N-R) We are used to the mercury tiller control shifter, Ugh. I was unaware that Hondas lacked that feature.

Perhaps I will investigate some more.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

I would not consider a merc, period.

Click to expand...


Me neither. Honda for small ones, Yamaha for midrange, probably Honda for higher power. Hondas seem to eat up O2 sensors, but they take one hell of a beating before getting killed. Can't think of the model line at the moment, but Yamaha had some long living larger outboards. Want to say they were a darker gray cowling with a fish hook on the logo. For some reason I want to say Saltwater Series II. I've always found Mercury outboards especially easy to blow up, and I've had too many odd electrical and fuel problems with OMC's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top