outboard help

Ok. I found a 9.9 that I'm going to look at today. I've never owned an outboard so I need some quick advice. Please chime in. What sort of things should I look for to make sure it is ok? How do you start a motor that's not in the water? Won't it burn it up? I've heard of people putting them in barrels of water, but I don't have a barrel. Would a 5 gallon bucket work? Can you transport a motor laying on its side or does it have to be upright at all times? Any/all advice will be appreciated. Thank you!

Do not run it out of water without muffs...ever...not even for just a minute.

What Pork said.

You can get a set of muffs at Walmart for $10 or so. Don't run it w/o muffs or in a tub of water.

Also, I'd loosen the lower screw on the lower unit and check the oil in there to 1, make sure it has oil and 2, to make sure it isn't milky white. Ask how the engine was stored over the winters (heated or unheated, fogged cylinders or not, gas run out of engine until it dies or at least the fuel treated with marine stabil or seafoam).

I'd pull the plugs and check to see what they look like and look in the cylinders too to see how bad the carbon build-up is. You'll need a flashlight. Take some tools with you (socket set with deep well sockets and regular sockets, phillips and flat head screwdriver) in case the guy doesn't have them or won't help ya. If he won't let you go over the engine, I'd walk away.

What make/year is the motor?

Marineengine.com has some really good forums with helpful people on it for repairs and questions to throw out to.

ORIGINAL: slabdaddy

 I don't know how to take the lower end off. Can I transport it while it lays on its side or does it have to be upright?

 
Just above the skeg is the lower grease fill hole.  Several inches above that should be the upper fill hole.  If you take out the lower fill screw, lower unit grease will slowly leak out...without the upper fill screw loosened or removed, it won't leak out too fast.  As eyes said, let enough out to check the color of the oil...coffee with cream color is bad...gritty is bad...non-existent is bad.  Laying it somewhat on its side is ok, but try to elevate the motor housing higher than the lower unit just a bit.  Don't let it bounce around...secure it in transit.
 

So how was the motor?

Disconnect sparkplug wire, have someone you don't like hold wire and try to start motor.
If they scream really loud ignition is good.

I have a little 13ft aluminum shallow V. It's pretty light. I ended up buying a 3hp Game Fisher. It's like brand new for $200. I know that it won't break any speed records, but it'll do until I find something bigger. I'm still looking for a bigger motor (short shaft) so if anyone has something for a reasonable price, please let me know.