How do you find a decent mechanic?

[hayhauler]

I live in North Alabama (not far from Huntsville). I can do a few things mechanically, but my Mercruiser 470 needs a cam seal, and I'm afraid to tackle it. The marinas around here all seem to say "we don't work on anything that old." What should a cam seal cost? Anybody know a good mechanic in the area.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

For starters you might ask everyone you see, with a boat, for recommendations. Sift through the answers and go talk to them. New boat dealers are probably the ones that you've gotten the above response from. Look for the independants. Another good source would be to ask around at marinas.<br /><br />Also if it is just motor work, you can probably get a reputable auto mechanic to work on it.

 

[vipzach]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

I agree with boom, word of mouth. Ask around the marina, you will probly have better luck at independant mechanics. Go talk to them like boomyal said. It is always good to get to know one you trust, so when you need him

 

[hayhauler]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Thanks guys. I've been asking around for a while. Haven't found the right one yet. I was kind of hoping that someone on here might actually know someone in the area. <br /><br />The last guy who came highly recommended sort of fixed some of the issues, but said that rather than fixing the camseal I should just use it until coolant appears in the oil and then junk it. Others have told me that's not good advice.

 

[vipzach]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

That sounds like s%*ty advice to me. Sounds like he was f'n lazy and did not want to fix it.

 

[flashback]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Should be some good folks around guthersville.. (Did I spell that right?) That's a nice lake, been fishin there a few times;;;;

 

[hayhauler]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Guntersville. It's not far. I'll check in that area too.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[90skichallenger]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

word of mouth is the best reccomendation in my book. Just ask around.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Found mine on the internet. Did a search for marinas that worked on MerCrusiers in the area. Found a couple. They guy who works on my boat also will trouble shoot with me by e-mail. Great guy. Dedicated. Not everyone is that lucky.<br /><br />Good Luck in your hunt.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Originally posted by hayhauler:<br /> <br />The last guy who came highly recommended sort of fixed some of the issues, but said that rather than fixing the camseal I should just use it until coolant appears in the oil and then junk it. Others have told me that's not good advice.

I do beleive you have found you answer. And a honest mechanic. You THINK it can be fixed, and a mechanic said junk it. Simple

 

[Trent]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Used to be a Dan Mathews Marine in Guntersville when I lived up their that did good work.

 

[hayhauler]

Re: How do you find a decent mechanic?

Robby6950, chances are you're right. I was using a highly recommended mechanic, but then when I posted the advice that he had given me on another website they seemed to think it wasn't good advice. Oh, well, I'm probably going to follow at least part of the mechanics advice. I'll keep using the motor for the time being and looking for other opinions, and maybe another mechanic.