Recommendations for Safely Testing an Outboard Engine in a garage

Hi Huntindave,

If memory serves, your insight applies to where I will be using the boat. It is in a small marina on the Potomac River and gets crowded during the summer with folks renting boats. I suspect they won't be too happy about me being in the way running tests. I could ask the harbor ? master to see if it is allowed. That is a thought. Thanks for help. Much appreciated.
 
Jeffrey,

I think I will check with marina master to see if testing there is OK.

Thanks. I don't want to test the motor in a tub and find out it is no good under load.
 
Thanks PAUL. I saw at home depot they had some 50 gallon garbage cans. Thanks for the point about keeping the water above the cavitation plate. Will do.
 
Gary,

I don't know if that feature id available for my Johnson. I will have to see if I can find something like that on ebay or amazon. I don't know if that feature post-dates the engineering of my motor. Sounds like a handy idea.
 
Tom,

Sounds like if I had the time, I would do best to just replace the water pump to be sure. I can't imagine this being harder than working on my car. But I will bear in mind that there are two votes now to keep the rpms down.

Thanks
 
As a guy that just floated a refurbished boat in the past month, the best advice I could give you is to have someone in another boat with you. It sure makes things a lot easier if something goes wrong and you have an easy tow back to the launch. I ran my motor with "muffs" and in a barrel prior to taking it out. I also flooded my boat with about 6 inches of water to ensure she was not leaking. Any and all checks that can be performed on land pay great dividends before heading out on the water. I also had a trolling motor, paddle (would have been useless with the size of the boat) and ALL required safety equipment onboard. I was pulled over on my second trip out and they checked me for everything (which I was hoping they would do). So, even if it's just a quick test run, make sure you are up to code, registered, safety gear, lights, life jackets, etc. Best of luck!


Dave
 
I could also meet up with you if you are in the Maryland area. Can you give me your "rough" location or where you would be putting in at? You can also send me a Private Message to connect.


Dave
 
Capt Rich, I kept your advice in mind and found that I could not unchoke the engine because of all the water splashing out of the container. Thanks for the advice. She runs.
 
I saw water pushing out from its ports. I had to keep the engine choked or the prop would have pushed gallons out of the can. So I did see the engine cycling the water. However, it the left side ports did not seem to spit water. don't know if that means there is something wrong or that I didn't take the engine out of choke, so the pump wasn't required to work as hard and therefore water was just spitting out of one side only. I don't know.
 
Dave,

That sounds like a great idea. Thank you for the offer. Sorry about the delayed reply. Wanted to make sure the engine actually ran first. Which boat ramp and time generally suit you best? I have a busy schedule (don't we all) but I would love to get her in the water.






















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