How to assess 2nd hand 4 stroke outboard (Tohatsu 6hp 4st)

[slawosz]

Hi,
I will take a look into engine which is for sale. I will see engine running for 10-15 minutes (is it enough to make sure it has no issues with heating?), check if pumps plenty of water, if the gear is working smoothly, revs ok etc. Is there anything particular I should check, except for unusual looking paint in places where it should look good, etc etc? I read quite a lot about those engines and I understand that there is not much that could be really wrong, am I correct?

 

[VicS]

10 - 15 minutes idling in a tank may not be long enough to be sure its not overheating.
Ideally needs to be on a boat and run up to full power.
It would be good to check that the prop hub is not spun and that it doesn't jump out of gear due to a worn dog clutch

 

[Jim@sea]

Why dont you consider an old 6hp 2 stroke Tohatsu, they have 2 spark plugs instead of 1, they are lighter, can be upgraded to 8hp by just fitting a 8hp carburettor. many have a charging circuit. The outboard which cane with our 1997 boat is a 6hp 2 stroke and its great.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Check the inside of the tank for rust.

 

[slawosz]

Why dont you consider an old 6hp 2 stroke Tohatsu, they have 2 spark plugs instead of 1, they are lighter, can be upgraded to 8hp by just fitting a 8hp carburettor. many have a charging circuit. The outboard which cane with our 1997 boat is a 6hp 2 stroke and its great.

I would prefer 2 stroke as its lighter, but it uses twice as much fuel.