$250 Oil Change?

[SoulWinner]

Ok, here's the deal, and what a deal! I just reached 25hrs on my Merc 115 EFI and wanted to take it in to a factory service center for the "post break-in" service. I gave them a call to about it and was told that the service would cost $250, and would not include a water pump. I have never heard of a $250. oil change before. This is more than a little disturbing to me, as it leaves me in the possition of not being able to afford the "Factory Autherized" service center after my warrantee runs out.

So, does this sound like this particular service center is full of it or is this actually what it should cost? I am really curious because I got the oil and filter, and gear-case oil and pump for under $60. What do you guys charge for this at your shop WBW??

 

[mwmotorsports]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

Another thought on the subject....My friend bought a brand new Bayliner 18ft I/O 135hp fish and ski last fall. After the required break in period he took it back for the check up and fluid changes and whatever else they do and went back to pick it up with a $680.00 bill. That is totally crazy. I can't see even a 200 dollar bill for a brand new boat for the basic service. He was not very happy and has since changed service shops and also has taken on quite a bit of the maintenance himself after buying a manual for it. That is just nuts!!

Any other horror stories out there? What do you experienced boaters recommend?

Sorry to butt in.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

The 25 hour service probably includes timing belt and valve adjustment which is not a 10 minute job. Welcome to the joys of four-stroke ownership. No oil changes, no oil filter, and no valve adjustment on a lighter weight, more powerful Opti or E-tec.

 

[Bumpertag]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

It happened to me! I bought a 25 HP 4 stroke in August and have had problems with it from the day I picked it up. I was told that the rings didn't seat and gas was getting into the oil and it had to be changed. I was told they get $100 per hour for labor plus the cost of the material. I couldn't understand the cost. I told them I would change it and was later told that it had already been changed at a cost of $104.73. Can you beleive it... a small filter and two quarts of oil cost $104.73. Then to make matters worst I was told that the oil needed to be changed again the next time it was in the shop because I had a faulty fuel pump that was seeping gas into the crankcase and I would have to pay for it or do it myself. This was a new motor that came from the factory with a bad fuel pump... so why should I pay for the oil change??? I called Mercury and was able to get them to pay for the oil change, but they said they were doing under Customer Relations because I've had so much trouble with this motor.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

There is no "Post Break-in Service" required on the Merc. 4-strokes. You can change your own oil and not worry about warranty problems. Nothing else is required at the dealer at that time anyway. No valve adjustments are ever needed and the belt is good for at least 300 Hours. Keep records and receipts of the service you perform and don't worry about it. It would be a good idea to have them do the 100 hour check, so that it can be hooked up to the computer and service verified at that time...

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

The 25 hour service probably includes timing belt and valve adjustment which is not a 10 minute job. Welcome to the joys of four-stroke ownership. No oil changes, no oil filter, and no valve adjustment on a lighter weight, more powerful Opti or E-tec.

Gosh, that was a helpful post! Look, if you have nothing useful to offer, take your d!ck beaters off the keyboard and sit quietly.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

There is no "Post Break-in Service" required on the Merc. 4-strokes.

Thanks. I thought that the oil/filter may need to be changed since I do that on other 4 strokes when they are new/rebuilt. The service center in question does not seem to be too honest, which blows because they the closest one to me in Pensacola.

For anyone who may own one of these motors, the oil and filters can be purchased at Wally World, along with the gear case oil. I understand that these filters can also be obtained at NAPA in their Gold series, which is a dang good filter.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

According to the dealer and the Manual, oil is to be changed at 100 hours. It won't hurt a thing to do it earlier. I would use Merc. parts until the warranty is up. It could be cause to deny the warranty if you have problems. For the cost of the engine, it's a small price to pay for piece of mind. $60.00 a year for Oil, Filter and lower unit lube sounds good to me. What's the cost of a gallon of E-tec or Opti oil?? And yes, I do own a new 90 Merc. 4-stroke and I also changed my own oil and filter at 22 hours. Also, look through the Manual and when it comes time for that 100 hour check, do everything that's recommended and you are comfortable with and let them do the rest. It will save big bucks..

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: $250 Oil Change?

Thank you Rick. I will do these things, and I have ordered a service manual. I like to do my own service on stuff, and the shop rates the local Merc dealer charges makes it a nessesity for this motor. And I will use Merc stuff. Thanks again for the informative reply.

Best regards,
Wes