Hey guys, I have enjoyed reading the forum for a while. I found a "deal" on a mud motor, but it's a 1998 20HP go devil long tail, has been sitting since 2005. Not sure on the hours, and owner says he's the second owner, and never changed seals or bushings....

Asking 800.00 for it. After reading through the for sale section, and how-to replace bushing and seals threads on there, I was thinking 600.00 was more in-line with fair. I have rebuilt many briggs motors used to be a bumper to bumper auto tech, so I feel confident I can do the repairs myself.
Just lookin for some advice on the price, and what to watch out for. Thanks in advance. (I have tried to attach some pictures here)

I'll say this. Those 20HP Hondas and 23 Briggs are some tough little bastards. I have seen the same engine completely submerged more than once and still running today. I would offer $600 and let him know you have some money you have to put into it to get her running right and see if he bites.

I bought a 2000 16hp this year, been sitting out in Houston weather for 5 or so years.... paid $700 for it... Got it home, checked spark, squirted fuel in cab... hit the key and the darn thing fired right off..... I was amazed..... I have since replaced all the plugs,wires,filters,oil, seals, new paint (motor and chasis Duck boat green with High temp flat black air filter housing, exhaust, etc), new key switch, etc... Motor runs strong..... That one is definitely cleaner than the one I started with.. Should have no problems with it as long as its notl ocked up (at least ones you cant handle) and $600 is a steal IMO.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

Looks alot like a Vanguard

That thing looks real clean. If you pay 6 its a steal. Its worth the 8 in my opinion though.

Good deal, and keep it running. Today, with the fuel situation, its best to run it often so you don't get the carb gummed up and all that. Even with that, I add Startron or Stabil to the gas. These "glorified" lawnmower/generator motors are made to run for many hours. My friend's Kohler 25 is 16 years old and running fine- he's had to replace a coil, stator, re-build the carb, do the usual oil and filter changes, and it's a workhorse. I do recommend on any "veteran" motor, to use synthetic oil (and grease in the shaft housing)- I do believe it makes a difference. Don't forget to check and replace if necessary the rubber fuel hoses. You've probably checked the prop and threads- from the pic it is apparent it does not have much wear- it's hell when they bind up so remove it and clean the threads and put some anti-seize grease. Get a spare prop now so you're not stranded during the season!

For $800 bucks its a good deal.If you can get it for $600 thats sweet.

I have that same exact motor same year and everything, and I sunk mine last year in salt water, changed plugs, drained oil, and cleaned her and she fired up and never looked back. I have well over 1000 hours on my motor and everyone on here who has seen me run it knows I will hit anything and everything and not look back the motors are great.

In my 2c $800 a good price for it.

And I will say this about the 20hp Vangaurd I got a buddy that has the same motor on a fan and it has OVER 2000 hrs on that beast and hasn't missed a lick yet. Now it may blow up this next bowfishing season but that thing has had the piss ran out of it!!!!

Offer him $500 Buy it for $600 Its a great deal on a very good longtail Duckdon