Easy way to find out how many hours on motor?

bryanw80 · Post by **bryanw80** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:04 pm

Is there a way to find out how many hours are on a boat motor without having to take it to a dealer? I am looking at used boats and would like to know how many hours are on the motors also. Thanks

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:27 pm

Unless they have an infallible hour meter I would suggest a trip to the dealer.....cheap insurance for your purchase.....

bryanw80 · Post by **bryanw80** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:56 pm

There has to be a way othen then going to a dealer to find out how many hours are on an engine? Some type of scan tool or something? How does the dealer check the hours?

Ally03 200xs · Post by **Ally03 200xs** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 8:26 pm

bryanw80 wrote:There has to be a way othen then going to a dealer to find out how many hours are on an engine? Some type of scan tool or something? How does the dealer check the hours?

I know Mercury Marine sells a tool called the "DDT" or Digital Diagnostic Tool which plugs into the motors ECU. It is very $$$$. The dealer plugged my 200xs into the "DDT" and it told how many hours and at what rpms the hours took place.

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:47 pm

For any used boat/motor you are looking at buying, you will be doing yourself a huge favor by taking it into a dealer or other certified mechanic for a full evaluation of the motor. This will usually include downloading the computer, checking the compression/leakdown test and checking the lower unit (i.e., bent prop shaft, etc.). The expense of that will be much less than the cost of repairing any of the problems that would be missed by not having it checked out!!!

Yes you can buy the adapters and software to do the download yourself, but it'll probably cost you more than having it checked out.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:24 am

Of course, it depends on the boat you're considering... many have embedded meters such as the Smartcraft on the Mercury Pro XS motors, which can display the engine hours on a gauge in the dash, for instance. Of course, I'm sure there are ways to manipulate the data much the same as modifying the mileage on an automobile, if you're dealing with a shady character.

Good luck,
Roger

Scott L · Post by **Scott L** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 11:26 am

There is/was some cables you could order or possibly make your self along with some software that could be loaded onto a laptop and I could access that info from my '99 FICHT 225. I never got around to it and when I take my engine in for servicing I request a printout showing my hours. The printout shows the hours, % of time spent at different RPM ranges and a few other items.

I thought the Optimax had a similiar device, but if you are considering multiple brands the costs would add up.

The advice given in the previous posts is sound. Identify a couple of boats you like, talk with the owner (should have an idea of the hours), if it is in your price range and meets your criteria for a boat take it for a spin. If you are still interested take it to a mechanic. It is money well spent.

twister · Post by **twister** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 8:04 pm

Merc motors require a DDT and OMC uses software that can be loaded onto a labtop or PDA. Hours is a good gauge for purchase, but it isn't the only parameter you should be looking at. Gator is correct. Bring it to a mechanic. Lyle Gosset know's his way around outboards. Any mechanic should at the very least be checking:

Compression
Condition of Plugs
Lower End for shavings
Make sure it shifts in reverse and forward

Most importantly, take it out on the water because there are problems you cannot find on the hose. The dog gear sometimes can slip under load. The trim may want to drop due to an internal leak. The prop shaft can be bent (vibration if so). The prop may be wrong for the motor (too high or too low RPM).

Too much **** to list that can go wrong. Bottom line is don't trust anyone.

I recently bought a boat from Chris Klowosky of Agler's Attic. He claimed the motor was good. Since he is a prostaffer and business owner, I trusted him and bought it as is. AS IS--these words are the trap. ****, I should have made him write RUNNING Condition in the bill of sales. One piston was blown. I threatened to sue hime but, it wasn't worth my time. Fixed it myself for less than $500. Again you can't trust anyone so bring it to a reputable mechanic.

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 8:31 pm

By ALL means you want to do an on-the-water test. As was mentioned motors can and will run differently in a tank or on the hose, when they are not loaded down. Plumping and other electrical probs will become aparent as well. If you buy a boat without a test run and a certified mechanic's evaluation you will likely end up regretting it!

As for the hour meters, they can be innacurate. As an example the hour meter on my Skeeter runs when the ignition is in the "on" position even if the motor is not running. I found that out after one of my sons was showing off the boat to some friends and had turned they key on to show all the lights and stuff. When they were finished they left the garage but the key was still on. It ran until the battery died, about 20 some hours later...