Essential Guide: Test Outboard Compression Like a Pro | BoatUS

What is an outboard compression test, and why do you need one? What do compression test readings tell you? Yamaha outboard technician Sean Stahl from Annapolis Boat Sales says a compression test will help tell you how much life the engine still has, how much wear is on the piston and the piston rings, and how much air is being pushed through the engine. We'll explain why you want to compression test your outboard, especially when purchasing a used boat or engine, what to look for, how to perform one, how to use and read a compression gauge, and how to interpret the results of an outboard compression test. Learn more: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2016/april/checking-compression-on-an-outboard-engine CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction to compression testing an outboard motor 0:20 Why do a compression test on an outboard? 0:37 What do you look for when performing a compression test on an outboard? 1:07 How to perform an outboard compression test 1:57 Why pull the spark plugs when performing an outboard compression test? 2:17 How do you keep fuel from flowing and the engine from firing when performing an outboard compression test? 2:48 What is a compression gauge and how do you read it? 3:06 How do you attach a compression gauge to an outboard 4:00 What do outboard compression test readings mean? 4:22 Conclusion to compression testing an outboard 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine! https://boat.us/e/sy-join 🚩Visit the BoatUS Magazine website: https://www.boatus.com/Expert-Advice. BoatUS is the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters with more than half a million Members. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible. 🚩Download the BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App — the fastest way to get a tow! https://boat.us/sy-app 🚩Connect with us: https://Facebook.com/BoatUS https://Twitter.com/BoatUS https://Instagram.com/BoatUS https://Pinterest.com/BoatUS https://linkedin.com/company/boatus #outboard #compressiontest #boatus