Engine not used since 2006 HELP

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Does anybody have any opinions or thoughts on buying a year 2005 Honda 4 stroke 40hp outboard that has not been used since 2006 when it was serviced and then stored.

I'm looking at buying it but thought id check first in case this is something i should stay clear of.

Its apparently clean as a whistle under the hood and described as looking brand new but could it be a disaster inside?

[Channel Ribs]

In theory it should be ok, but of course it depends on where the storage was and how thoroughly the service was done before hand. A quick slap and tickle then in the back of a damp shed for 6 years and I would be scared.

Can you do the usual tests before you buy it? Compression, lube conditions, etc.

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Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

In theory it should be ok, but of course it depends on where the storage was and how thoroughly the service was done before hand. A quick slap and tickle then in the back of a damp shed for 6 years and I would be scared.

Can you do the usual tests before you buy it? Compression, lube conditions, etc.

Having spoken to the chap, he bought in 2005, used it in 2005 and 2006, then took it to a marine delear to service and has stored it in his garage ever since.

I cant do any tests myself unfortunately and its a 5 hours drive for us to get there. If i'm better of staying clear then thats fine, i'll just keep hunting.

[9D280]

I guess the main thing to be suspicious of in any engine that hasn't moved in that time is the impeller, which could have gone brittle.

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Originally Posted by 9D280

I guess the main thing to be suspicious of in any engine that hasn't moved in that time is the impeller, which could have gone brittle.

Certainly if we did get it i would have it fully serviced and impellor changed prior to using it. Maybe its best to stay clear?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by actions

Certainly if we did get it i would have it fully serviced and impellor changed prior to using it. Maybe its best to stay clear?

The impeller is a service part anyway, just assume it needs changing.

[lightning]

It also depends on how much he wants for it....if it's a low price it's probably worth it, after all it could be in new condition with only 2 season's use.

When you get there (if you go to see it) is it possible to check that the engine turns freely? I once bought a Honda Firestorm (1000cc V-twin bike) that had been sat in a large shed for three years since the death of the owner. It had a bit of furring on alloy parts and the battery was flat. What I should have done was put oil in the bores before starting, change the fuel etc, however after a second battery was connected it fired up immediately and I rode it 10 miles home with no issues, on 3 year old fuel.

I did give it a full service when I got it home of course. There was also a Triumph Trophy 1200 and that was sold to somebody else, but it also started and ran fine after the 3 years lay up.

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Originally Posted by lightning

It also depends on how much he wants for it....if it's a low price it's probably worth it, after all it could be in new condition with only 2 season's use.

When you get there (if you go to see it) is it possible to check that the engine turns freely? I once bought a Honda Firestorm (1000cc V-twin bike) that had been sat in a large shed for three years since the death of the owner. It had a bit of furring on alloy parts and the battery was flat. What I should have done was put oil in the bores before starting, change the fuel etc, however after a second battery was connected it fired up immediately and I rode it 10 miles home with no issues, on 3 year old fuel.

I did give it a full service when I got it home of course. There was also a Triumph Trophy 1200 and that was sold to somebody else, but it also started and ran fine after the 3 years lay up.

He has described it as looking like new, but of course until i see it in the flesh who knows.

We are going Saturday to have a look and all being well bring it home. I'm going to check compression (current thread running to tell me how), check all goes into gear, trim and tilt works, steering works and i'm thinking thats about all i can do maybe.

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by actions

He has described it as looking like new, but of course until i see it in the flesh who knows.

We are going Saturday to have a look and all being well bring it home. I'm going to check compression (current thread running to tell me how), check all goes into gear, trim and tilt works, steering works and i'm thinking thats about all i can do maybe.

Dip the oil, check for ant water in it. Tug on the engine mounts. Check for play on the pro shaft. Also turn flywheel by hand (with kill cord off - never know) listen to what it sounds like you should hear and feel each piston compress. Any grinds, metal on metal etc walk away.

Let us know how u get on.

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

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Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Dip the oil, check for ant water in it. Tug on the engine mounts. Check for play on the pro shaft. Also turn flywheel by hand (with kill cord off - never know) listen to what it sounds like you should hear and feel each piston compress. Any grinds, metal on metal etc walk away.

Let us know how u get on.

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Thanks Peter,

Making myslef a list now so i remember to check everything. Dont care if a look like an idiot reading from a crib sheet, but better that than buying an expensive anchor.

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by actions

Thanks Peter,

Making myslef a list now so i remember to check everything. Dont care if a look like an idiot reading from a crib sheet, but better that than buying an expensive anchor.

I agree. Don't forget to do a quick check on stolenboats.org for similar motors and make another list to check it's not been "hiding" all these years, unless of course your buying from a friend or respected dealer (even they get caught out every now an then though).

Hope it works out. I k ow of a Honda 130hp down my way which has sat idle for the last 5 years. Shame when it happens but no reason why it won't fire into life

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

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Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

I agree. Don't forget to do a quick check on stolenboats.org for similar motors and make another list to check it's not been "hiding" all these years, unless of course your buying from a friend or respected dealer (even they get caught out every now an then though).

Hope it works out. I k ow of a Honda 130hp down my way which has sat idle for the last 5 years. Shame when it happens but no reason why it won't fire into life

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Super, the good thing is he is the original buyer for the boat and engine and has all the manuals and receipts, so that helps just a little for peace of mind. But i will do the checks now too.

I'm hoping it will all be ok too, he had it running last week and states all was fine, so fingers crossed especially as its at least a ten hour round trip.

[Boats&Outboards]

Wow that's a long way to go. Where u starting and ending up ?

If you can see it run all the better. You will hear if it's right or not.

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[Boats&Outboards]

What's it up for ?

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

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Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

What's it up for ?

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Yea, its sure is, but hopefully it will all be worth it, we hardly ever get much for sale round our way, (Herne Bay, kent) so i've got to travel really, although this is further than i thought i'd have to go.

Well its coming on the back of a very clean boat, and trailer so all in all its just over 6k for it all.

[Searider]

I've just flashed up an engine that's been stood for a while.

Given to me 2 years ago.
2 years in my damp garage. Couple of years in a shed with previous Owner before that. I know the previous Owner and know that it would have been properly serviced whilst he was using it.

Still 4 years untouched.

4hp 2 cylinder Johnson from the 1980s, or maybe 1990s

New fuel in.

Mount on workmate and dunk in bucket of water.

Pulled the cord. Jammed it.
Sorted that.

Pulled it over a few times.
Nothing.

Checked spark.
Good spark - first surprise of the day. Was expecting electrics to be grumpy.

No smell of fuel - suspect it wasn't getting through.

Squirted some fuel into the throat of the carb.
Pulled the cord again and it ran for a coupe of seconds. Things are getting better!

Took carb off and removed bowl. Fuel in bowl. Removed jet in bowl - found it blocked. Poked a bit of fine wire through and then reassembled.

Pulled cord - fired first pull and ran fine with a steady idle.
RESULT :-)

Water flow a bit weak but impeller change next weekends job.

So, an engine that has stood needn't be bad.

[Boats&Outboards]

Whole different story. Old 2 stroke will thrive on such treatment

These modern 4 strokes have a much more royal attitude to life.

Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

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Originally Posted by Searider

So, an engine that has stood needn't be bad.

Cheers Searider.

Well, he states he had it running a couple of weeks ago prior to advertising it and it started without any issues and was pumping water fine, so fingers crossed it will be ok.

I'm still going to see it running, do the compression tests and check everything that Peter from boatsandoutboards4sale has told me about.

I'm also going to have it serviced, new impellor and all the carbs etc cleaned out ready for the open water, well that is as long as the checks i do are ok

[Boats&Outboards]

Wise decision

Hope it works out for you

Peter ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[actions]

Well, got it and its as new. Had a full service today and the honda delaership said it hadnt done anywork at all and was as new, so all in all, very very pleased. Had it out today for 4 hours and it ran like a dream.

Thanks all.