Is there a general consensus on this? I see some great looking deals out there from time to time but I'm skeptical. Funny thing is now I'm thinking about separating my set up to move it so I'm considering trying to sell my engine.
Do people in general have to roll dice on these deals. I would assume the best way would be to have them (engine) still running in the boat or be ready to run it on a dyno. How do most handle this from the buyers position or the sellers?

thx

Inspect things, if you are going to spend big money at least pull a main cap and a rod to see, I bought running engines and ran boat back, now do a search on my name and see what I am dealing with... I am all for used parts and I should have known better in my case, most times things are ok, but there is a ton of shady stuff being done in engines.... or at least buy at a price with room to fix mistakes....

a used engine is as good as the guy you are buying it from

When I sold my 383 I removed the oil pan , a couple bearing caps , valve covers and took detailed closeup pics with that days newspaper in the shots to prove I had nothing to hide . Even at that if I were the one doing the buying it would definitely mean road trip . This is how I met brother Mike Tkach .

Thanks guys... I would think a leak down and compression check and knowing you've got good oil pressure would be the main things to consider.if ur dealing with an installed mtr. Would most be more comfortable buying an engine that was already running in a boat? I'm thinking of advertising mine that way and would welcome the above tests plus a joy ride to confim. Just trying to figure out a good way to market it.

I want to repower my boat in a few years. I'm up in the air about using my blocks and upgrading or selling my motors and starting with new. I find myself wondering how a sale would go if I decided to sell mine. But me being me, I wouldn't sell them if they had issues.. Is that what honesty is like? lol... OP I am curious just like you.

"buying or selling used engines"
mean you are going to spend more then its worth or get less then its worth.

That makes you honest, but that does preclude ignorance, and that may cause some friction. I think that's what Full Force alludes to, that he got it from a guy he trusted, but maybe that guy wasn't totally aware of what he had.

Really, if you're not going to disassemble the engine to inspect it, the next best case is a detailed build sheet. If it's a stock motor that's 'never been worked on' and all the bolts are missing paint....here's your sign.

I have a preference for buying engines that have a little lime on them ,but somewhat fresh .gives a opportunity to go in and see how the internals are getting along , correct if and as nessesary and let it rip for usually a long hard glorious life .but otherwise , the motors that demonstrate a quiet cold start good oil pressure and demo run seem to bring the premium bux from what I have seen

if ya do sell an engine online don't forget to pull the add down

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...otor-sale.html