Recommendations for Safely Testing an Outboard Engine in a garage

W

Werner

Active member
My Merrymeeting Bay Gunning Float came with a 4 horse power 1974 Johnson Outboard. The engine ran when I bought the boat last fall. I now want to test the engine and it's functions before I push off on my first voyage.

I am a novice trying to return back to his roots -as it were.

I do not want to find myself pushing off on a loading ramp in the marina with a boat and engine, new to me, with only a sculling oar (which I still have to teach myself how to use) as my only means of propulsion should the engine or my inexperience place me in such a predicament.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a safe and reasonable way for doing a test at home in a garage? My boat is on it's trailer and I can attach the engine to the transom and stick it in a plastic trash can. Is that a good idea? Is there a better idea? Is it safe to run the engine through it's motions this way?

When I was a boy, my father and uncle would test outboard engines using a 50 gallon drum. I don't have a 50 gallon drum and I can't get one for engine testing.

I am particularly concerned about testing the engine's operation because when I was a boy (12 or 13), my brother (8 or 9) and I found ourselves out on a bay on Long Island using a failed engine as a rudder on the tide to get us back toward the fishing station.

Thanks in advance for any "constructive" input.

Werner

P.S. It has been awhile since I have posted here because someone responded to one of my posts that there was nothing economical or reasonable about duck hunting. I did not to tell the poster then that I only paid $800 for the boat, engine, and trailer.
 
Werner,

As long as the water intake screen is below water level you should be fine running it in the garage. Have the door open for ventilation of course if you plan on running it any length of time. Have you checked the lower unit oil level and viability (it should not be milky)?
 
Good advise Pete, the only thing I would add is not to run it so long the water gets hot. I have just run a motor in my garage tank today. Keep the door open and the water cool and you should be OK. BTW that should be a really nice motor.
 
Make sure it is pumping water when you run it in a barrel. You may want to put a new impeller in that motor to make sure it is pumping water like it should and does not overheat. When you take the boat out take a canoe paddle along just in case.
 
You could always take it to the boat ramp and back down the ramp and leave it hooked up to the trailer. If it seems ok on the trailer.... you could motor around some and stay close to ramp. That way you could put a load on the engine and get a good sense of how she performs. Have a paddle and some sort of anchor.
 
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You could always take it to the boat ramp and back down the ramp and leave it hooked up to the trailer.
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Doing this in some locals will earn you a citation. The poster did not mention his location so it can not be confirmed if this would be ok or be against regulations in his location.

I am fully aware we are only talking about a little 4hp motor but the laws and regulations usually do not make exception for size (if indeed he is in a local which has restrictions to this practice).
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Dave, you guys must have some super uptight LEO'S in your area if they hand out tickets for that. I don't mean do it on Saturday morning when everyone and their brother are trying to put in. Pick a less busy time in the day or week to do it. I've had several boats that ran fine in the tub.... put them in the water with a real load.... problems
 
Where at Dave? I have only seen them get upidy when a guy I was with didn't have a plug in his shotgun. Even then I was able to help the guy out and get the citation written in a different state with lower fines!

I only worry.. EVERY time I go out. If you are on a river... go UPSTREAM!
 
Jeff,

I have been told it is due to the "prop wash" (no power loading at these ramps either). That is why I mentioned the size issue being a "non issue".

Personally, I would have to believe the OP would have no problems with law enforcement but thought it was worth mentioning.
 
Phil,

Several ramps in Wisconsin and a few in Mn have signage prohibiting either/or power loading (creating prop wash) or specifically against repair and testing (again prop wash issue). None of these along the Mississippi that I can recall.
 
WITH SUCH A SMALL MOTOR LEAVE IT ON THE TRAILER ON THE BOAT PUT A 50 GALLON GARBAGE CAN UNDER THE MOTOR FILL IT UP WITH WATER, SO ITS ABOVE THE CAVITATION PLATE YOU MAY HAVE TO PUT A FEW BLOCKS UNDER THE CAN & RUN THE MOTOR MAKING SURE YOU WATER PUMP IS WORKING., & YOU WILL BE FINE
 
Don't know if your motor brand sells them, but I've always used the suction cups that go over the intake and have a hose attachment to them on my Mercurys. Makes for a nice constant supply of cold water to the motor.
Gary
 
They are great but for idle only. The motor when submerged runs differently and the resistance of the water cause the rpms to drop to normal ranges that will not damage motor.
 
When using the " fake a lake" flushing muffs beware of giving the water pump a clean bill of health just because it doesn't overheat. The hose will force water thru the motor even with a completely trashed pump. (Don't ask how I know). The advise about keeping the R.P.M.s down is good because the limiting factor on top R.P.M. is the water resistance on the prop so without any limit the motor will come apart with great vigor. Yah I know, I have seen that one too. Just use common sense.
 
Peter,

Thanks for that advice. I have not checked the lower unit oil level and viability. I did buy the engine owner's manual, service manual, and parts catalog on ebay. So I will bear in mind your advice and use these manuals to help me make the check. Thanks for your input.
 
Tom,

Great idea to keep the garage door open and thanks for the tip on keeping the water cool.

The motor looks much newer than its age. I was surprised to learn how old it was. Form outside appearances, it appears the previous owner took good care of his property. Under the engine cowl looks good too.

Thanks much.
 
Mike,

Good point about the canoe paddle. I managed to buy a 1974 Parts
catalog for my 4 hp model and can see the impeller assembly with part number. My guess is that I would have to put on a new seal when making the change. I am not sure I want to be tearing down the motor yet, but your advice will be in my mind as something that will probably need attention to keep the engine running coolest. Thanks.
 
Capt. Rich Geminski,

Thanks for the tip. That is something I possibly would have done. I won't do that now. Thanks.
 
Jeffrey,

Actually that is possibly the easiest thing to do. However, I think I might be blocking the boat ramp for others. There isn't much free room at this small marina. Thanks.
 
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