Outboard engine carfax?

[fin_s_guy]

Is there a free service that will allow someone to view an engines service record from the serial number?

Tanks

[Capt. Debbie]

Yes find the repair man that worked on it. Even they often don't keep records.

CARFAX uses public DMV and licensed Insurance Co info.

O/B have no such licensed or government counterpart.

The newer engines with computers (Bombardier, Yamaha, etc) have a history in them. But it's limited and must be physically plugged into with the Mfgr software to get to it.

[fin_s_guy]

BALLZ!! So it's buyer beware unless you can physically SEE the engine?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Bob - I know on the newer inboard engines you can plug in a diagnostics tool to get error codes and all sorts of stats on the engine... Last engine I bought the mechanic plugged it in and we were able to get stuff like number of hours, highest RPM and temp the engine was run etc.

If this is a newer outboard, I would think you'd be able to do the same but you'd have to have a mechanic that has the diagnostic tool and is familar with your particular engine brand and pay them to do it.

If you are spending a lot of money, well worth the expense to have it done prior to the purchase.

[Sharkyispy]

Bob, truly wish there was something like this before we bought our boat this past year. Compression numbers appeared to be made up after we did a legitimate check. Chances we take I guess....