HPBCANADA.COM

It's something most people don't do......most people wait until things break and when they see the cost to repair they don't fix it.
To-day the cost to repair is costly. Properly refreshed and properly maintained motors do last a long time especially the 2 strokes. They do tire with hours of use and it time they break.

YOUR MOTOR:
You know how old and how much use it has had.....it's running perfect....if its got lots of time on it.....refresh it. With a hone, new rings, bearings, seals and gaskets it will last.

WHEN YOUR BUYING AN OLD MOTOR;
TEST DRIVE!!! FIND ONE THE RUNS PERFECT. If it is an old motor in years or running hours .....refresh it.

I think this is even more important today!!
The cost of used motors especially the two stroke models has jumped. The cost difference between the same model outboard as a blown motor compared to a running motor can be thousands of dollars. Resellers and rebuild resellers are very quick in getting the parts motors and running motors that are low priced. There is a lot of competition in that area in the marketplace. 20 to 30 year old plus two stroke outboards generally need work. Marinas normally don’t do rebuilds. They will sell the power trim and gearcase provided those parts are in good condition.
You still find the most common factor for failure was lack of maintenance.....water pump/overheating top of the list.
Common mechanical failure....oil pump...there is a reason why commercial outboards are not oil injection....they are gas/oil mixed.
Most expensive part to replace....usually the crankshaft
Most often the easiest repair to fix a poor running outboard....clean the carb(s)
Always check the compression, check for spark and turn the motor over by hand, it should turn smooth. Check the gearcase lube, should be dark and no water.
Engine noise when running is serious.