How I Flip Boat Motors for QUICK CASH (Best Side Hustle?)

In this video I am giving you guys an inside look at how I find deals on old outboard boat motors and how I fix a lot of common issues that they have. I cover the things to check with no tools before you buy, how to test spark and compression, replacing parts like fuel pumps, ignition coils, and cleaning carburetors. I also show you how to make motors more presentable for sale!
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[@joshlampe3458]

I'd love to see you pull it apart and get that junk out! These are very informative and useful videos, great job!

[@BoatBusters]

@@joshlampe3458 I really appreciate that! Let’s do it 💯

[@joshua7022]

I would absolutely watch you pull the powerhead and clean the water jacket! Very informative and enjoyable content!

[@voltoid_sw]

Thanks for the video. I just got a boat with a merkury 200 20hp 1978 motor and it has been siting in a garage for 10 years. This video saved me so much time. I was searching all day for a good video of how to fix it up. So thanks man would love to see more.

[@dinkylawler3314]

Don't even own a boat and I love your videos. Let's see what's going on with this thing. Appreciate all the hard work on your content.

[@BoatBusters]

@@dinkylawler3314 thank you man! Means a lot

[@chanceburkle5025]

Brother..found your channel a few days ago and subscribed right away. Binged all your videos and just wanna tell ya you’re absolutely rocking it. Just picked up my first boat and motor and am stoked to use what I’ve learned for my own projects 🤙🏻

[@BoatBusters]

@@chanceburkle5025 brother thank you so much for that! If you ever need any help on the projects shoot me a DM on my instagram, same username.

[@voltoid_sw]

You and me fr :) just got an old motor that my dad used when I was a kid.

[@andrewgonzales224]

Wow you really do a great job overhauling that outboard. Impeller, thermostat, ignition coils, fuel pump, clean carb and your going through the trouble of cleaning water jacket. A true overhaul. I would buy one of your outboards gladly. Your doing the customer right my brother. Glory to the Lord Jesus!

[@BoatBusters]

@@andrewgonzales224 Glory to God! Really appreciate that my friend

[@thenext9537]

Pull the water jackets, I want to know. I'm mechanically inclined, I've torn apart motors and what not. No machining or anything, but putting things mostly back together. I could do this lol. In my area there are TONS of 150's sitting around, boats in lots, skis, I just see them everywhere and I'm like ????? The carb, impeller, coils, etc is very interesting. I work on go karts and minus the impeller the stuff is similar.

[@stevenbennett3018]

We need to see. At this point I’m invested in this engine lol😂

[@ethannawrocki8061]

I love watching you do these flips and enjoy the little boat engines

[@BoatBusters]

@@ethannawrocki8061 thank you so much man!

[@Life-in-South-LA504]

Very nice! and honest man to do business with, keep it coming bro! I'm looking into a first budget jon boat so these help me piece together a budget built.

[@jeremytorr4826]

My first comment on KZbin ever, great videos mate keep it up are doing an awesome job, love watching them on my lunch break all the way over in New Zealand.

[@BoatBusters]

@@jeremytorr4826 that’s so awesome man, really appreciate that it’s an honor! 🇺🇸🤝 🇳🇿

[@hampusbp1414]

Insanley good video! Looking forward to the next

[@kickinuass14]

Realized just now I've seen every video you've uploaded so far not realizing I wasn't subscribed till you mentioned it whoops. I'm gonna try to clean out my 9.9s carb with what I learned and see if that fixes my issue. Keep it up can't wait to see more videos!

[@BoatBusters]

@@kickinuass14 really appreciate that!! Best of luck 💯

[@jimdinthed]

Nice work and presentation. I flip a few outboards too. Specialize in 1980's Honda 4 strokes - they are pretty much bulletproof. One thing that I do to give the buyer confidence and get top dollar is to pressure test the lower unit. You might have to make your own fitting to screw into the lower unit fill holes. Then use a bicycle pump to pump it up to around 10psi. Then soapy water to to check all the oil seals for any leaks. There's a lot of cash to be make on these old motors. I find that most of them have been sitting in grandpa's garage for many years and just need the carb cleaned, an impeller and a new fuel filter

[@BoatBusters]

@@jimdinthed absolutely! Never done pressure tests, but would be great to add to the presentation. Good advice!! Also those old Hondas are awesome, just tricky to find certain parts for for me!!

[@bebeslife4519]

Hi I’d like some advice about an old Honda b100 that I picked up. When plugs are removed, I can’t seem to get any spark from them. I tried shooting some fuel down the carb and pulling with no signs of life. Is there a points ignition underneath the belt pulley? How do I remove that?

[@brianmooney7009]

Your a good honest man. Great job. Love your videos

[@BoatBusters]

@@brianmooney7009 really appreciate that 🤝 thank you

[@Lhopsecker]

Most creative ask for subscribers I've seen in a while! You got me! Here's a question for you: if the motor fails either the compression test or spark test, what does that mean? Do you turn down buying it, or use that to negotiate a cheaper price? If you fix any that don't have compression or spark, I'd love to see a video on that too.

[@BoatBusters]

@@Lhopsecker Haha I appreciate that!! And those are great questions. If the motor fails to pass a compression test, I personally don’t buy it at all. Now somebody that’s into restoration for fun will likely be able to buy it for next to nothing with no compression, however to me this is just as much of a business as it is a hobby and the time spent rebuilding a powerhead is not worth it at all (and those parts are not cheap)… if the engine fails a spark test, I welcome that with open arms! It usually will let me negotiate a better deal and spark issues are not hard to fix when you know what to look for. Especially on small outboards like this one. My next video will have more details on diagnosing no spark!

[@DrivingWithDon]

Love this type of content. Off course we want to see you pull the powerhead off! Starting to binge watch your other videos!

[@BoatBusters]

@@DrivingWithDon you rock man! I appreciate you!!

[@michaelosmon]

Probably been said already but when you're fixing a crack like that one in the cowling, drill a hole at the inside end of the crack so it doesn't continue to grow after you've made the repairs. This was a great video. Thanks for sharing your skills knowledge and experience. I appreciate you sir. Yeah please do show me how to clean the water jackets.

[@waynepollard7823]

Ive really enjoyed watching your channel. Im glad i came across it!

[@BoatBusters]

@@waynepollard7823 really appreciate the compliment Wayne! Glad to have you here 🤝

[@MartinHentges]

Come to Minnesota - Land of 10,000 lakes and 500,000 boats. Lots of boats mean lots of boat engines. It also means a saturated market. Boats and engines are CHEAP… but they also resale cheap. Like you said KNOW YOUR MARKET. Great video, lots of good information for someone looking at getting a starter boat. Those 9.9 Johnson Evenrude engines run FOREVER. That will last someone for years to come.

[@31sweetcorn]

Heck yeah pull it . I’m so glad I came across your channel. You got me hooked now.

[@BoatBusters]

@@31sweetcorn appreciate you brotha 🤝 glad you’re here

[@jamesmoriarty6930]

Loving your videos all the way from New Zealand.

[@BoatBusters]

@@jamesmoriarty6930 that’s so cool man - thank you!!

[@MrTroutbum24]

Yes new video on cleaning water jacket!

[@melvinrawlings1457]

Great content and very informative thank u and much love to ya from Maryland❤❤❤

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

you make it look simple, been fighting with a Merc carb for months

[@jmblakeney1]

Subscribed! Love informative vids.

[@BoatBusters]

@@jmblakeney1 thank you brotha 🤝

[@andyyg]

Love your videos, keep it up!

[@BoatBusters]

@@andyyg I appreciate that!!

[@robertozamora8901]

Recently bought my first boat that has an outboard Johnson 140hp two stroke, this video was very informative on what to look for with these motors, as a car guy I feel a lot more confident in my ability to do the maintenance on my motor now thanks to this video! Would love to see you pull this thing apart! Hell I might even start my own shop here in Hawaii now 😂 the market for these motors out here are insane! New sub! 🤙

[@BoatBusters]

@@robertozamora8901 appreciate you man!! They’re not hard when you learn your way around 💯

[@gregm8418]

This was a great video! I really enjoyed it. I just subscribed.

[@BoatBusters]

@@gregm8418 means the world to me thank you!

[@johnjacobs8568]

New subscriber here (you got me with the strong bond scenario)! Yes pull the power hear please!

[@BoatBusters]

@@johnjacobs8568 🤣 glad to have you here 🤝 let’s do it

[@Antique_Outboard_Revival]

Love the videos, great walk through! Let’s see the power head video too!

[@BoatBusters]

@@Antique_Outboard_Revival appreciate you!!

[@88789j]

Thank you for posting this

[@pabloandrs6141]

Hey man loved the video and learned a few things!! I would definitely watch a video of you cleaning the jackets

[@BoatBusters]

@@pabloandrs6141 appreciate that man

[@ShaunGud]

I would absolutely watch the video

[@brandonwilliams1720]

Great video! I have some experience working on those 15hp Evinrudes. I just recently restored one. Another issue with your tell tale could be the rubber grommets on the water tubes. Once you pull the power head you will see them. Be careful removing the bolts holding the water jacket cover on! They are only 1/4" bolts. I broke 8 of them and had to weld multiple nuts to get the shanks out of the block.

[@BoatBusters]

@@brandonwilliams1720 Thank you and the advice is much appreciated 💯

[@adamhawkins3513]

Good stuff. working on an Evinrude 112 right now.

[@redbyron10]

Great video! I always thought flipping motors would be a good side hustle! Would like to see you clean the gunk out of waterways! New sub!

[@BoatBusters]

@@redbyron10 appreciate you!!!!

[@stevenmorris2293]

What a great video ! Thank you. Subscribed 👍

[@BoatBusters]

@@stevenmorris2293 appreciate you man!!

[@agerard5703]

Excellent work!

[@williamhines5829]

I would love to see you pull the power head. Drinking a beer now watching the transformation of these motors. Keep it up loving the videos.

[@BoatBusters]

Cheers man I appreciate you 🍻

[@soullesswarhawk]

I’m down to see the water jackets get cleaned out. Love the video, great info bud!,,

[@dazeboy79]

Thanks I want to see power head disassembly! New sub!

[@DanielSon69]

New subscriber! Let’s get cleaning out that water jacket!!

[@SwingerVic]

excellent video where to look what to look for and what to start with....i wish i could retire and do small engine ....seems easy to do ....great video thanks

[@BoatBusters]

@@SwingerVic thank you!

[@figirovac81]

Very thorough

[@melvinrawlings1457]

Yea let's do it brother. I would be in for that type of work 😂😂😂

[@tylerterry2393]

Definitely would like to see you pull the powerhead and give an in depth on that.

[@FrankLadd]

subscribed so I could see more. If it sparks and doesn't run, then my next step is getting the carb cleaned. Other than the order in which you did things, I really like what you are doing to this motor. I'll have to look around to try to find a 15 for 150!

[@BoatBusters]

@@FrankLadd I appreciate it!! And yeah carb is always my go-to after good spark but no start, the only reason I did plugs and coils first was just how awful of condition the ignition coils were in physically… needed done so might as well just do it!!

[@Floridaoutings]

Very educational video I always wanted to learn how to do this part when I buy an engine that I can use for a gift that I want to build because I’m not in the position to buy anything expensive I just wanna go fishing and have fun this video game me The inspiration to do that to my Engine if you do part two and show me how to do that part of the cleaning I’ll go ahead and Sub again thank you so much and this was very helpful. Looking forward to the next video.

[@hondaxl250k0]

Hi I’m in Ohio as well!! I do vintage motorcycles.. I’ve run across a few boat motors. With a bit of tlc they have always made me money ..

[@whiteywhitey7792]

Would really like to watch u do the power head clean out 🤙🤙

[@magoo72112]

Yes I would be very interested and grateful if you would pull that powerhead and take us along with you! Love this channel! 👍

[@BoatBusters]

@@magoo72112 really appreciate that!!

[@user-km4og6lm7w]

great video

[@julianmontes4314]

Bro make that power head pulling video, I’m way to invested in your channel🤙

[@BoatBusters]

@@julianmontes4314 appreciate that brotha 🤝

[@bent_life9865]

Yes to the jackets

[@alansnider1065]

I don't even own a boat. But I'd love to see you clean the water jackets. I'm finding this very interesting. I've flipped a few cars. Outboard motors might be fun.

[@BoatBusters]

@@alansnider1065 in my state you only get 5 car flips a year before you need a dealers license.. no such laws on boats and outboards!

[@WillInWestPalm]

To remove the build in the water jackets, use RydLyme, or white vinegar mixed with dawn dish soap.

[@newclearly2885]

I'll subscribe just to watch you do basically a full service and then some.

[@BoatBusters]

@@newclearly2885 much appreciated!

[@M3hic01]

would greatly appreciate a video on a power head removal, i have a 1990 8hp Johnson that i need to replace the power head on 😅

[@0fVolfAndMan]

i must say, im pretty jealous! any bolt you touch on an outboard down here is going to wring off from it being seized.

[@BoatBusters]

@@0fVolfAndMan the rust belt is easier on outboards and harder on trucks 🤣

[@teunscholte3015]

Good video man! Where do you get the new parts?

[@BoatBusters]

@@teunscholte3015 thank you! Anything I can find on Amazon I buy from there because I get 5% back with my prime card, anything else either eBay, Crowley Marine, or MarineEngine (.com)

[@beardspewsandqueoverland]

Pull it bro! I'll bring the beer!

[@BoatBusters]

@@beardspewsandqueoverland sounds like a plan to me!!!!

[@AlchemiUnlimited]

Love your videos. Where did you get your boat motor stand? Thanks in advance.

[@BoatBusters]

@@AlchemiUnlimited thank you! This one I bought used on marketplace however they’ll same ones are about $100 on Amazon!

[@fishingwithfredo2639]

Dang man I was really digging that blue😢..it turned out awesome though!!

[@BoatBusters]

@@fishingwithfredo2639 thank you! It’s a really cool color for sure, I think it just bothers me so much that it doesn’t look like the factory colors 🤣

[@markries8366]

lets see the full tear down!

[@BoatBusters]

@@markries8366 on the way 🤝

[@gidge34]

Love power head🤙

[@CrackerJack256]

Yes. Please!!! I have a Honda 5h I NEED to get the head off. Just not 100% I can put it back together 😅

[@BoatBusters]

@@CrackerJack256 what if I told you I take photos of every bolt and part that I remove so I know exactly where they go back? 😳 is that cheating? (Every certified mechanic I know does this also) 😉 it’s like legos! Just take photos of everything you do and keep your bolts organized and labeled. Easy peezy

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice so does the seller object to you taking out the plugs to do a compression check !

[@BoatBusters]

@@markcollins5026 if a seller refuses a compression check that is NOT somebody you want to be doing business with! There is no reason to refuse a test unless there’s something you’re trying to hide. When my buyers purchase engines from me I gladly allow them to check compression either with their gauge or mine.

[@matthewlefevers1387]

Heck yeah! Pull that power head. More good content coming soon I hope.

[@BoatBusters]

@@matthewlefevers1387 you can bet on good content coming every couple weeks for a longgggg time 🫡🫡🫡

[@joehozzy2616]

Hi, was it in forward gear when you tried to start it? Great video. Keep them coming.

[@BoatBusters]

@@joehozzy2616 thank you for that! And no, this lower unit was not the original factory lower for this motor and was causing the shift handle to be off-centered a tad. Should’ve explained that a bit better!

[@Fixitall-ib6nc]

I can tell you exactly what the problem is. There’s a hole burned through the water jacket in the “cylinder head “ it’s pumping exhaust gas into the jacket and you get mostly gas and back pressure at the pee hole

[@jikuo2701]

gold mine of a channel. sub

[@BoatBusters]

@@jikuo2701 🤝🫡 thank you man

[@MrDK-iw2um]

that is one franken motor. powerhead and carb is 80's, leg and lower is early 70's. someone deffo been there before. im about to franken up my own 15hp johnson, so powerhead teardown would be awesome to see

[@BoatBusters]

@@MrDK-iw2um yeah…. This was a tough one for sure. Lots of mix matched parts 😅

[@MrDK-iw2um]

@@BoatBusters impressed it seems to have a newer waterpump/impeller than i would have expected to see

[@darthjar9117]

Yes pull the jacket

[@JuanSepulveda-d7s]

I have a 115 Johnson Evinrude and pay money to people who I think are ripping me off. I'm learning from you, can't wait to see you work on a motor like that

[@BoatBusters]

@@JuanSepulveda-d7s check out the video I have on my bass boat flip! That was a Johnson 150 GT, similar!! Who’s ripping you off???

[@JuanSepulveda-d7s]

@@BoatBusters The mechanic s I take the motor to get fixed. I recently bought a second boat. Needed repairs and didn't know much about motors. I am learning from you. Thank you sincerely for your reply. I will see your video on the one you mentioned. I've been stranded twice when I went fishing. I want to learn how to fix it myself.

[@JuanSepulveda-d7s]

@@BoatBusters You make it look easy," I understand it's not". I have a 1982 Johnson Evinrude 115.

[@BoatBusters]

@@JuanSepulveda-d7s I appreciate you watching! DM me on instagram (same username) and I will do my very best to help walk you through any issues you’re having!

[@JuanSepulveda-d7s]

I just saw your video on the bass boat. Brother you know your way around a boat. I saw the mechanic take off the thermostats. He mentioned the motor didn't need them. Paid 6k for the boat," it's a 17ft Redfin

[@Delta3111]

Water jacket video 👍

[@LoganGlenn-w9l]

Could you load the water tub with CLR and try to clear the blockage?

[@Dinomanny]

Definitely down to watch a tear apart. dumb question where do you get your parts from? I have an older johnson and don’t know where new gaskets for the carburetor

[@BoatBusters]

@@Dinomanny Amazon, eBay, Crowley marine, or marineengine (.com)!!!

[@JuanSepulveda-d7s]

@@Dinomanny That would be such good advice. " Where to get the parts from". Our local place," is charging me $360.00 dollars for a starter.

[@atrboi8171]

Have you worker on a mercury 40hp 2 stroke? Have video on it?

[@darkness2x]

You don't have to pull the power head. Take out the take off the thermostat and get some acid from a pool place and poured in once you see the acid come out you can power water in it to neutralize the acid. Don't small it or get it on your skin

[@TravGnome]

Crack open a cold one and crack open an old one! let's do it!

[@OppositeOfTheLeft]

Please show us how to clear the water jackets.

[@johnpike9612]

Pull it!

[@jakobskaar6868]

Where do you get parts for these old motors? I live in Norway and have a really hard time getting parts for old outbords.

[@BoatBusters]

@@jakobskaar6868 Anything I can find on Amazon I buy from there because I get 5% back with my prime card, anything else either eBay, Crowley Marine, or MarineEngine (.com) I’m not sure on who does or doesn’t ship to Norway though!

[@prestonking5736]

Use Mirotic acid to clean the water jackets, then thoroughly flush

[@drummerEight]

Pull it apart 🎉

[@BoatBusters]

@@drummerEight 🫡🫡🫡

[@the_truck_farmer]

Sure. Let's see the water jacket cleaning job

[@famcomp73]

Can we not squirt it with air first. Just curious.

[@josephatnip2398]

It's hard to compete flipping boat motors with the hangKai 18 horsepower two-stroke it's pretty much an exact clone of the Yamaha 15f

[@gradiemingee3066]

Where do you get your parts from

[@randyelston7063]

Do you have an old 15hp?

[@gillgetter3004]

Pulled the head off a 6hp Evinrude not long ago, all the jackets plugged with sand. Rebuilt carb, fuel pump, new thermostat, impeller. Needs new pull rope, runs pretty good. It’s a 1971 fisherman, I’m in Detroit what do you think it’s worth?

[@BoatBusters]

@@gillgetter3004 if the pull start / rope is broken when you sell it (and therefore are unable to run it for a buyer) in my market say $150ish. However if the pull cord is working properly and you can run it for a buyer, where I’m at it would fetch about $350 maybe $400 if you can sell someone on all the new parts!

[@mikekrall8879]

I’d be interested in knowing how much you list motors for? I know different size are worth more but how much do you list them for and do you allow for wiggle room or are you crazy with the price.

[@BoatBusters]

@@mikekrall8879 no, a standard 9.9/15 Hp like this one with nothing special (no electric start, etc) I will list for $600-$650 and usually let somebody talk me down to $550-$600. Electric start engines I have in the $650-700 range. I’ve found this to be the sweet spot in my area to make a good chunk of profit but also have it sell quickly within a few days of posting and allow me to use that money to buy more!

[@mikekrall8879]

@@BoatBusters Thanks for the feedback. Glad I found your channel and can’t wait for more videos.

[@matthewthompson7012]

60% of the time, it works every time.

[@noncched6839]

Of course we want to see you tear it down and cleannthe water jacket!

[@dunit13577]

You don’t have to pull the powerhead and clean the water jackets, but it would be cool if you did 😉

[@BoatBusters]

@@dunit13577 well played 🤣 let’s do it

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

Compression and gears #1&2 In that order Everything else can be fixed decently cheap

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

Even the gears can be swapped cheap just man hours

[@adventures223]

Are you able to fix and flip motors in the winter time

[@BoatBusters]

@@adventures223 market is slower for sure but yes we bust knuckles all winter long!!

[@jamesrhodes6462]

Let’s do it! Pull the head

[@fat_head_Carl]

Yes, pull the water jacket