Advice before going to mechanic?

[jack1130]

Considering giving up on trying to fix problem(s) myself on my 1990 90hp Force. Is going to a boat mechanic like going to an auto mechanic? Anything extra I need to worry about with these guys? (no offense to you boat mechanics out there)

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Advice before going to mechanic?

Search the symptoms here just to familiarize yourself with the motor. Then you can guage the mech. and his honesty.

 

[lowell7963]

Re: Advice before going to mechanic?

I'm in the same boat as you Jack1130. I've done the plugs, filter, fuel change, clean tank etc, but would rather be boating that troubleshooting. Here's what I've done.

Found the authorized dealers for Mercury. Called the 3 local shops, visited two of them to see how friendly and receptive they are to newbies.

Generally what I found is that they don't make appointments, first come first serve. One has a 3 day wait, and one has a 7 day wait (I'm not counting on these estimates).

Talked to a few friends, but haven't found anyone that has used either shop. Searched the web for any reveiws - none.

I'm taking mine in Saturday and I'll report back on the experience.

Oh yeah, my issue is an occasional missing, hard to feel in the pontoon, but it is there. I've ran it on the hose and can definitely tell it, but in the water it is elusive. Pulled wires, can't narrow it down to a cylinder (4). Looked over all the wiring, etc. Ready to try the experts.

 

[jack1130]

Re: Advice before going to mechanic?

Good to hear I'm not alone lowell7963. I have also done just about everything I feel I can tackle at this time....new plugs, replaced a couple of fuel lines that were suspect, adjusted linkage, inspected filter and carbs (look clean) but i feel if i start taking things (carbs) off motor and apart i just might make it worse. Everything seems to be as it should.

I'll be curious to hear how things go for you lowell7963,

Jack

 

[jack1130]

Re: Advice before going to mechanic?

$50 to look at it and $70 per/hr......how does that sound? Unreasonable or not?