Buying a Rebuilt Etec

[McGinnis_Fishing16]

I'm looking for used motors over the winter and I found a rebuilt motor. It's a 2012 Etec 175 with 0 hours after rebuild and it seems like a good price. When I asked how many hours before it blew they were unable to tell me because the motor isn't at the shop yet.

What are your thoughts on buying rebuilt motors? and what should I look for when buying a rebuilt motor?

[sabby]

Who rebuilt it and why did it blow are pretty important. Buying are built unit is fine, but you need to do your due diligence. Ask around locally and find out who the trusted mechanic(s) are, go from there.

[Bassmeister]

Dependent on who does the rebuild.....(reputation) ...what was rebuilt......and if they found the cause of the problem......so it dosen't happen when installed on your rig.

[tdt91]

You being up in Canada don't help your situation. 1/2 of your warranty will be gone by the time you can even get it in the water.

[McGinnis_Fishing16]

Just like any warranty up here though you have to look at it as a fishing season and not a year because we can only fish in a boat for half the year. Thank you for the comments, I appreciate the help, I found out who is doing the rebuild and looking into their reputation and cause of the problem.

[Casslaw]

If I were in your situation I would either go to or speak to the person that is doing/has done the rebuild. He should have no problem speaking to you since you’re a potential future customer since he is the one rebuilding the motor and will know your unit inside out.

I’d want to know why it blew, was there any collateral damage and just as important; is there anything else on its way out? Are there any wear items that could be replaced during the rebuild to save a potential future issue? Warranty? Engine diagnostics?

I would also want to know his opinion about the motor. Was it in good shape for a motor of its age? We’re there any past repairs that weren’t done correctly? Did everything look right as he took it apart?

My family has an auto repair shop and while motor jobs pay great most of them are 100% avoidable if people just had a tiny amount of common sense. Then you repair the motor and they won’t/can’t afford a new radiator, fans, etc and they blow the new motor in a week. Common sense is not all that common!

I hope this purchase works out for you, Chris.

[McGinnis_Fishing16]

Thanks for the advice Chris. I appreciate it.

[Casslaw]

Absolutely, you’re welcome. I don’t know much about outboards but my family has had an auto repair shop since before I was born so I may not know how to rebuild your or my Etec but I do know the questions to ask!