Outboards - Used vs. New

[Sean]

Rebuilding My Outboard

jeepmark and Ken, I'm not having problems once it's on, puttering out out or anything like that, it's only unreliable when I go to crank it. Sometimes is starts on the first or second pull, and other times I could go into 30 or 40 pulls (seriously) without it starting. And that unpredictability is killing me!What should I be looking at, carb? I've changed the sprarks, should change the cables too?The person I bought the boat from suggested that I spray some kind of aerosol starter spray into the carb to help fire it up, but that just didn't sound too healthy for the OB...am I wrong? Any thoughts???

 

[Jack2438]

Sean

The starting fuild{spray} doesn't have any oil in it so the engine doesn't get "lubed' when you use the spray. The engine problem could be a lot of differant things but like others have said, it's a simple engine and easy for a good mechanic to figure out. I might take a wild guess and suggest it was the geezmo that sends the spark to the spark plug but it could be as simple as the float in the carb. Their is a web site called "marineengine.com" that may help you. My 2 cents on an older but dependible engine is it might be less of a target for thieves. good luck and give the suggested web site a try.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Hard starts

SeanI bought a used 1990 9.9 Evinrude at a swap meet a few years ago for $800. The outboard shop said it was fine. Worked great for a few seasons, then had hard starting problems with it. Brought it back in, for $400 new rebuilt carb and replaced the kill switch cable and connections. Runs absolutely wonderfully now. Still less than a new engine even with the latest problems, which I personally could have fixed if I knew what they were (diagnostics) had the time or inclination to fix (ability, tools, time, etc.).Your symptoms sound almost exactly like mine. Try solutions those first.I did what you're doing, asked here and also on the Catalina 25 website,(see another recent post today for their email address) they're great folks with lots of outboard information, since they run their boats with outboards of the same size as we use on our dinghies.They were very helpful and actually diagnosed the problem, right on.A used engine is fine. My only issue is that knowing outboards they love to be USED. I only wish I could USE it as much as it wants to be used. ;D Stu

 

[Sean]

Thanks Stu & Jack

I called a place around the bend to try rebuilding my carb, they charge $80/hr, that's reasonable, right? I guess depending on how good they are ...it's worth a try.I might have to get a copy of that SELOC manual that marineengine.com sells..

 

[Mike]

Bought a used one on the internet

Three years ago I bought a 1 year old 4HP Merc from iboat.com. It was substantially less than new and was in perfect condition. I think that they have a deal with the Canadian Fisheries Association or something like that. Use 'em for a year and have iboat sell 'em. It was shipped from a dealer in Buffalo.Looking at other replies, I notice many carb problems. I too have had problems the past 2 years. Every repair shop that I speak with tells me that they are inundated with carb problems the past 2 years. They think that there is something going on with the fuel.