1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

[sundowner205]

Hi All,

I'm a little frustrated here...the motor for my dinghy is a 1999 2.5 hp Merc. Recently started having some issues with getting it started. I thought it just needed a carb rebuilding so I took it to the Merc dealer and he just told me that the carb needs to be replaced due to ethanol separation and internal corrosion - says it cannot be rebuilt.

He quoted me $164 for the carb, and $180 labor? WHAT!?!?...seems a bit expensive to just replace the carb. Doug Russel has the carb for $136.84 here http://www.dougrussell.com/partscat...mberList=40,30,10,60,50,80,100,90,0,20,70,110

That seems a little outrageous to me for labor - I can get the carb out in less than 5 mins....should I get a second opinion? The shop has a very good reputation around here and I do not think the guy would BS. I really need this motor fixed soon, as it is my only means of getting out to my boat in the mooring field!

I can replace the carb myself - is there any thing other than just swapping it out and adjusting the idle that would need to be done?

Thanx in advance.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

I could only speculate as to the shop's pricing schedule.

If you feel confident, go for it.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

Well if it's just as simple as swapping out the old carb for the new one, then that is not an issue - I've removed the carb many times before and like I said it only takes a few minutes...

I'm just a little confused due to the fact that I have never heard of a carb going bad due to ethanol separation and internal corrosion, however, I am also not an expert on small engines.

Anyway, if there are any other adjustments besides the idle that need to be set that any of you guys could inform me about that would be great. I also just ordered a factory manual for the engine but it will not be here for a couple days....

any thoughts?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

You can save a couple of dollars by getting the carb through a Tohatsu or Nissan dealer.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

Do the replacement carbs come fully assembled?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

One bolt holds the carb on. From a non-Mercury dealer the same carb is between $70.00 and $80.00.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

Just talked to the parts guy at Doug Russell...he told me that I could purchase the carb for 3.3 hp which is the same carb as the 2.5, except with different jets - and that would turn my 2.5 into a 3,3 hp with no problems. So it looks like that is the way to go.

I also asked him about the internal corrosion due to ethanol separation and he said it is very common with small outboards like mine.

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

One bolt holds the carb on. From a non-Mercury dealer the same carb is between $70.00 and $80.00.

Can you suggest an online parts dealer where I can get it for that price? I really need to get it today. Thanx in advance!

 

[sundowner205]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

Score! Just called the local Tohatsu dealer and he confirmed that they use the same carb...he's getting me the 3.3 hp carb for $90.

Thanx for the suggestion GURU!

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1999 Merc 2.5hp Carb Replacement $364 ?!?!

Alcohol separation??????

Nice term for the green corrosion of aluminum that occurs from the WATER content found in alcoholic fuels. That CAN be cleaned out, til it grows back.

This could be prevented IF manufacturers would hard anodize aluminum carbs.

Alas, designed obsolesence, it keep us mechanics (and parts departments) busy.