mjf19

I am in the process of purchasing a 94 outrage w/ 2000, 150 HP johnson. according to the owner, for the past four years, prior to him it was his brother. the engine was winterized but nothng more than that, i am going to have a compression test done and sea trial, what else should we look for, the boat appears clean for a 94, the engine also looks clean with the exception of some rust on the plugs, is that a sign of trouble? please advise, i dont want to buy a boat w a bad motor, is there any way to determine the number of hours on that motor?

A1 Outboard

There is no way to determine the hours on a motor without guessing. A good mechanic can tell you if there are a lot from the wear in the linkages. These are good motors and can take a lot.

Have someone who is familiar with the 60° engines check it over completely, just like if you were buying a 7 year old car. A compression check and a gear oil inspection tells the internal health of the motor. Figure on doing a new water pump kit and thermostats to be on the safe side.

Rust on the plugs is usually from water spray. If there are no leaks inside the motor cover, then spray from a transducer or thru-hull fitting may be getting in the air intakes. A transducer should be about 17" from the centerline of the motor to avoid causing problems. A "speed wheel" on a transducer will shoot up quite a spray of water that can get inside a motor. Good luck with your new purchase.