"Authorized Dealers?" - Think Twice

[Laotzu]

Re: "Authorized Dealers?" - Think Twice

There's a positive side to the $120 an hour the shops charge here in W. Wa. Recently took my 50 in because it would lose power and max out at 2800rpm. The tech checked all aspects of the fuel system, flushed the carbs, changed the spark plugs, ect. $240 labor $12 bucks for the plugs. Took back out on the lake.....same thing, 2800 max. Called the shop, he said it is probably the switchbox, bring it back in and they'll take it out on the lake to check. Estimate 3 hours labor + parts. So now I'm looking at another $360 labor minimum. Since I'm a high shool graduate, and mechanically inclined, I figure I could replace many of the ingintion parts and fuel system parts myself, and make money if I find the problem fast.<br /><br />I remember reading one of the posts here that a guy had the same problem, and it was gunk in one of the carbs. So I pulled the carbs and sure enough, found GUNK in #1, the first carb after the filter. Cleaned out all 3 carbs, blew dry, tested on the lake, runs fine. At $75 an hour they used to charge I might have gone with the techie.<br /><br />Jerry

 

[Coolmaker]

Re: "Authorized Dealers?" - Think Twice

Wow, you guys don't like Saltwater engines!!!<br />Have always been in Beaufort, South Carolina (highest salt content on the east coast), learned to flush them properly, and EVERY time you had one in the water. Have never had any problems getting them apart. When I did take anything apart, learned to use never-seize (nasty stuff-gets all over ya') next time was a breeze. <br /><br />The first time I went to Mercury school was in 1963. I remember the direct-reversing 100's!!!! <br />I still love Mercury's, have a 2002 200 carb. now, the first thing I do when buying a new one is to buy a factory manual.....<br /><br />Dealership or Bubba's shop? You can get screwed by both, or you can get really good work at both. It has always been my thoughts to ask around when in doubt.<br /><br />If ya' wanna go fast--"Put a Mercury on your A--"<br />Just a couple of an old man's thoughts. <br /><br />Thanks guys for all the interesting posts....

 

[Mybigjohnson]

Re: "Authorized Dealers?" - Think Twice

Originally posted by Clams Canino:<br />

Originally posted by Mybigjohnson:<br /> runabout that is powered by a 1976 Johnson 115.

I'm sorry. <br /><br />-W

Clams,<br />Uh, Is there something you should be telling me here??