Did I get ripped-off in repair???

[Boilermaker]

I payed thru the nose ($680.00) at a Long Island NY Johnson dealer to have my engine tuned and carbs rebuilt.<br /> It is a 1978 115HP johnson, that has been sitting for the last 20 or so years. I fired it up on muffs after injecting some Mystery oil into the cylinders and it ran well. <br /> The work done by the dealer was to rebuild the carbs, new spark plugs, pull the flywheel to loosen the advance linkage (the grease had solidfied)and remove & rehang the engine on the transome after I rebuilt the transome from rot ($80 for the rehang). They didn't even replace the waterpump impeller or thermostats!!! I told him My main concern was safety>>>I was putting my 2 young boys on the boat & wanted it safe!!!<br />After a few uses, I was getting alot of fuel down the front of the engine & had a gas smell all the time!!!<br /> After a closer look, the top of the lower carbs was loaded with raw fuel>>>puddels of gas>>>They never replaced the ziptie fuel line clamps to the carbs and gas was leaking all over the place. Then I noticed that the top carbs have new gaskets, but the lower set look old>>>the gasket between the carb & the engine still has the factory paint on it!!! The fuelbowl gasket on the top carb is tan & looks brand new>>>the bottom carbs look black and old.>>>He charged me for both carbs to be rebuilt but it looks like they only did 1, and then put me in danger of a fire or worse!!! Am I over reacting, or did I get taken!!!>>and if so, do I have any recourse???<br />SORRY this is so long>>>I'm just very angry right now!!!

 

[DJ]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

It doesn't sound to me that they did the whole job you requested. Go speak to them in person, remain calm and ask them to explain your questions.<br /><br />Also, get that impeller replaced, an overheating engine is not safe either.

 

[medic2051]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

I don't know if the price was too high ($65-70 per hour is about right) for the work that needed to be done. It sounds as if they did not complete the work you wanted. To rebuild the carbs ( I just did mine on '75 50hp), you need to replace the gaskets between the carb and motor. Why not ask the shop what they did. If you don't like the answer, go some place else.<br />I also STRONGLY suggest you get an OEM manual. Even if you don't plan on doing the work yourself, you should be familiar with your motor.<br /><br />Just my two-cents.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

Yea, they clamed $80 per hour>>>but charged me $280 to rebuild carbs,(another $80 to pull the carbs???) $80 to pull flywheel, $80 to pull & rehang engine, and a set of sparkplugs (what ever that cost???prob.wanted to charge $80 to install each plug).<br /> When I first talked to the owner, he said somewhere between$400 & $600 ballpark>>>When I asked what he did for that, he said a tuneup is timing, plugs, therostats, waterpump & setup>>>it would take abt 5 days.>>>>Then a call from someone else(3 weeks later)saying an estimate for the work would be $1500>>>I asked why so much, he said all the things the owner told me, and then a set of ignition coils. I was mad then>>>went to see the owner, and was told that other things could be changed, but it wasn't necessary>>>I would be OK with the work we agreed on. <br />They said they would water test the boat, and make sure every thing was safe for my kids.<br /> When I picked up the boat and saw the water pump wasn't done I asked why>>>the owner got all huffy and said .."YOU DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY">>>I asked for safe>>>he gives me an engine pissing gasoline and causing puddles of gas to sit in the engine. There was abt 1/2 cup of raw gas sitting there when I got the boat home(ramp is 1/2 hour away)!!!<br /> The first time I gave the throttle a push past half>>>the old prop just spun on the hub>>>the rubber had dried out I guess!!! they said they test rode it???>>>That should have been a clue they didn't do what they said they did!<br /> I'm sorry>>>almost $700 to replace 4sparkplugs>>rebuild 1 carb> spray some wd40 on linkage>replace lower oil>and rehang the outboard>>>the least I could expect is not have a potential fire or explosive situation onboard! If it was more then 3 hours labor, then the mechanic wasn't worth the $80 per hr they where charging!!!<br />I saw the guy at a local in-water boat show and he was all friendly>>>wanted to sell me a 28ft Walkaroud for $90K>>>If I had a million in my pocket>>>he wouldn't get a nickle!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

Boilermaker..... Removing the carbs, cleaning and rebuilding, and installing them to the engine takes no more than three (3) hours. Removing the flywheel, freeing the timer base assy, and reinstalling the flywheel etc is a one (1) hour job.<br /><br />Tune up time (what is left?) Check compression, linkages, ignition (spark). Labor/time = $??.?? (One (1) hour tops. Test running the engine and adjusting as needed takes no more than one (1) hour.<br /><br />Carb kits cost approx $18.00 ea. Spark plugs, gear lube = $??.?? (You fill it in).<br /><br />Six (6) hours labor plus $80 for the rehang. You do the math.<br /><br />Bottom line... If a gentlemans discussion with the owner doesn't go to your liking and you feel that you were taken advantage of. The usual course is a trip to small claims court.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

Thanks Joe,<br />I guess I'm just steamed abt the safety issue more then the money>>>altough I don't like being taken(who does, right??)<br />I wouldn't mind the bill>>>In fact I was prepared to pay more if needed. What I didn't like was being told things like the pump & thermos would be done as a matter of course, and then they just skipped it. If all was done, and it was a legit $1500 bill>>>so be it, I pay for the service & peace of mind. But to just blow off the needed work, and leave the fuel lines loose (to both carb sets)I just don't understand.<br /> Now I have to find another shop to do the thermos & pump. I feel I could do the work>>>but the engine is old, and Im sure the bolts will be a bit of trouble. Better to have a pro do that.<br />Again >>>SORRY for blowin off my steam here>>>I just wanted to know if I was off base.<br />Thanks

 

[NEECAPRS]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

Boiler: Sorry to hear this happened to you. Almost as if events shaped up to justify your name!!<br />Joe Reeve's analysis is pretty clear and applicable. We're lucky more people don't quit boating and buy guns instead with this stuff happening. I know business is not good for many shops, but, there's no excuse for trying to survive by shyster methods like this.<br />The way you've kept this in focus speaks of you as quite a gentleman. Why not plan a small claims action.

 

[nigelbear]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

take some pictures of the areas in question so you will have evedence of what you think is wrong.

 

[angus63]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

If your still looking for a recommendation, look at www.theoutboardwizard.com<br />He is in lindenhurst, does all of my major work and supplies all of my parts. He is honest, experienced, and fair with pricing.<br />Ask for Ralph.

 

[sunbird1]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

I see you are from Long Island. If you want another mechanic, I would definitely recommend mine. He is in Babylon, if interested let me know. I have been going to him for three years and he has always been very upfront.

 

[two2canoe]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

If you have some mechanical background and feel that you could handle the pump and thermostats repair, get a manual and the parts and go for it. It's not that hard and the bolts probably aren't that bad.<br />If you get into trouble, these guys are just a click away with the best advice. The more that you learn to do for your self, the less chance for jerks like the one you ran into have to rip you off and compromise your safety. You can use the money you save to get more boat stuff.

 

[MadeCoolCom]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

This is what I do I would tell them it was not finished because this was not done -------------------------------<br />After a closer look, the top of the lower carbs was loaded with raw fuel>>>puddels of gas>>>They never replaced the ziptie fuel line clamps to the carbs and gas was leaking all over the place. Then I noticed that the top carbs have new gaskets, but the lower set look old>>>the gasket between the carb & the engine still has the factory paint on it!!! The fuelbowl gasket on the top carb is tan & looks brand new>>>the bottom carbs look black and old.>>>He charged me for both carbs to be rebuilt but it looks like they only did 1, and then put me in danger of a fire or worse!!!-----------------------------------------------Then I would see if they fix them things like the were suppose because you paid for them things to be fixed. Them maybe it will work out. Remember they are just trying to get through in a hurry and these boats engines do take a lot of maintenance. So they could of just did the job to quick for some reason and missed some stuff. "I would tell them what they missed". Sometimes you just need to explain these things to the owner or the highest person in charge around at the shop. They should make good on there work that you paid for. But the longer you wait the less chance they will help. You need to tell them as quick as you can when you notice that the work was not done. At least that what I would do. Oh yea ask in a nice way remember ask the owner or boss. Remember I saying to tell them you paid to get work done and it was not done. You must talk to the person in charge. The owner The boss of the boss or the President or supervisor--<br /><br />-----------------------I’m just giving help or advice only ----I will not be liable for my advice.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Did I get ripped-off in repair???

Paying a lot & at least getting the job done right(safe boat for the kids) is one thing, but not even getting the job done s**cks. Cut your losses & avoid the jerk - don't let them mess your motor more. How about posting their name?