About to make my purchase this week on a 08' Tracker 170 w/ Merc 2stk 50hp. 

 

I will be taking it out on the water this week before making the purchase, and of course, I plan to have a professional give it the once over to check for issues.

 

HOWEVER - The current owner did come off some information as we were talking, before we got out on the water. The pee stream is weak and the compression is not correct (I don't know if too high or low or what).

 

He told me the water pump was just changed this year. It is possible that something is just stuck in the intake and causing a blockage for the stream, and that can affect the compression?

 

What can cause the compression to get messed up?

 

Sorry if this is a crappy question, I'm just completely ignorant when it comes to outboards at the moment. I'm sure I'll learn more as the years go on.

Weak pee stream is most often caused by a worn water pump, impeller and/or housing.

 

Compression "not correct" would mean low.  Low compression can be stuck rings, worn cylinders, leaking reed valves, blown gaskets, etc. 

 

Water pump problems are usually an easy fix.  It's a fairly straightforward job.   How often a pump needs maintenance (repair) depends on how and where it's used.  Using the motor on muddy water with a lot of grit and sediment suspended in the water will eat up a water pump.  Running a motor in places where the intake can get choked with weeds will also cause premature wear.  Having a dealer replace the housing and impeller can cost a hundred fifty, plus or minus, according to what I've read.  I'm sure there are many on here that can give you an accurate estimate.

 

Low compression can be, and usually is a very expensive fix.

Weak pee stream is most often caused by a worn water pump, impeller and/or housing.

 

Compression "not correct" would mean low.  Low compression can be stuck rings, worn cylinders, leaking reed valves, blown gaskets, etc. 

 

Water pump problems are usually an easy fix.  It's a fairly straightforward job.   How often a pump needs maintenance (repair) depends on how and where it's used.  Using the motor on muddy water with a lot of grit and sediment suspended in the water will eat up a water pump.  Running a motor in places where the intake can get choked with weeds will also cause premature wear.  Having a dealer replace the housing and impeller can cost a hundred fifty, plus or minus, according to what I've read.  I'm sure there are many on here that can give you an accurate estimate.

 

Low compression can be, and usually is a very expensive fix.

 

 

As far as impeller is concerned, I've changed them before and it was pretty easy (more easy with a second pair of hands helping). That last part you wrote, about compression being an expensive fix... that's what I was really wanting to know. I'd be really stoked if it was something simple. I guess we will find out when I get it checked out (before buying it).

Make sure you are taking compression readings correctly, and with the OB warmed up to operating temp.  Same with the water stream; it should be only a trickle until the thermostat opens up completely at the right temp.