Buying used motor what to check?

[slybunda]

Looking into a used honda gx390 motor. What should i be looking for when checking it out?

 

[tundraotto]

If it works, mainly.....maintained those things run for thousands of hours in the worst conditions......I would look past the air filter, in the intake tube and see if ANY residue is present - and of course how it runs.

 

[slybunda]

Just wondering since for the price of a used gx390 i could get a new gx200 since i need around 5hp im thinking i should go the new route. Hmm

 

[Lubener]

I rotate the flywheel or crank back and forth. Any clunking is slop associated with the rod or wrist pin.

 

[slybunda]

Thats a good check. Anything else to watch out for?

 

[meep]

It needs spark, compression and fuel. do you get to run it? Leaky seals, clean wiring. New predator engines at harbor freight have reasonable respect around here, and might be a safer play if you’re not sure about inspecting a used engine.

 

[slybunda]

Yes i get to see it fire up and run. Owner says it starts first time. Compression test is good idea i got a compression tester somewhere.