Re: Fix'n what aint broke!
I think you've got to make the distinction between maintenance, and repairs. Making adjustments generally isn't maintenance, but repair.<br /><br />Maintenance of an outboard is required to keep it in good running order, giving it the best possible longevity.<br /><br />Repairs to an outboard are the result of broken, worn-out, or poorly designed parts, or poor maintenance.<br /><br />I agree with what your mechanic told you. There is no reason to adjust the timing, synchronize and adjust the carbs, or change props.<br /><br />If the outboard was set up properly, and maintained according to the manufacturers suggestions, things would only change as a result of needing repair.<br /><br />Carburetors might need a cleaning, but they don't need adjustment or synchronization unless something happened. The jets might be clogged, worn, or enlarged. Linkages might be sticky or springs broken. Needles and seats might be worn. Maybe a bad gasket or cracked float. All repair items.<br /><br />There is no reason for timing to need adjustment unless it somehow changed from its original setting. Again, a sign of worn parts like a timing belt or gear set. Maybe an electrical problem. But all repairs.<br /><br />Checking things like timing and carb sinc isn't a bad idea. But not a maintenance requirement. IMO, making adjustments on those things crosses the bounds from maintenance to repair. When making adjustments, a good mechanic will always ask "why".
<br /><br />Charles
