Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

[aborgman]

I'm looking for a good mechanic in the area willing to work on my ancient outboard.

Motor is 1962 Johnson 40hp Super Seahorse (RDS-24).

I'm looking for a reputable and reasonably priced mechanic within an hour of Ypsilanti, MI.

 

[bill lewinski]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

http://www.fishermarina.com/Contacts.html. Been dealing with him for
years. I've found him to be very knowledgeable and has ton of old motors
laying around for parts. He's in Erie Mi. dont know how far that is from you
though.

 

[aborgman]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

Well, that is just about exactly an hour away...

 

[gradytom]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

Northwestern Boat Company on 10 mile just east of Northwestern Hwy in Southfield, George is the very best.
Rose Marine in Algonac.
Carls Boats on Harper in St Clair Shores, Mike is very good but always very busy.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

I'm looking for a good mechanic in the area willing to work on my ancient outboard.

Motor is 1962 Johnson 40hp Super Seahorse (RDS-24).

I'm looking for a reputable and reasonably priced mechanic within an hour of Ypsilanti, MI.

why not learn to do it yourself ?quite honestly it is not rocket science.those motors are very basic and easy to tune /repair,and you will get the added bonus of knowing exactly what has been done and better yet, exactly what it really needs.granted working on old motors may not be for everybody but i know that personally i find it very enjoyable and rewarding plus there,s the added bonus of saving a ton of money at the current shop rates,lol.i have zero formal training for motors but own and work on many older outboards and sometimes get lost in the garage for days,lol.trust me, its not really that hard.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

To many of us, your motor isn't "ancient"

cougar1985 makes a good point. These motors are simple to work on and kinda fun.

 

[aborgman]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

why not learn to do it yourself ?quite honestly it is not rocket science.those motors are very basic and easy to tune /repair,and you will get the added bonus of knowing exactly what has been done and better yet, exactly what it really needs.granted working on old motors may not be for everybody but i know that personally i find it very enjoyable and rewarding plus there,s the added bonus of saving a ton of money at the current shop rates,lol.i have zero formal training for motors but own and work on many older outboards and sometimes get lost in the garage for days,lol.trust me, its not really that hard.

Oh, I know it isn't that hard - I've worked on several in the past.

Problem is, it's already fishing season... and ahead of working on the boat on the priority list are: 2 kids under 8, kids sports, kids plays, band gigs, band rehearsals, yard work, several lawn tractor repairs, and probably 20-30 other things I'm forgetting.

...plus you can't run it on muffs.

So I can do it, but it'll be somewhere around August by the time I get to it.

 

[aborgman]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

To many of us, your motor isn't "ancient"

It's ancient enough that a good number of places aren't interested in working on 'em... and that is why I mentioned it.

 

[gradytom]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

So I can do it, but it'll be somewhere around August by the time I get to it.

Take it to a mechanic this time of year and it may be August before you get it back anyway.
Talk w/ George at N'western, he's a civil war buff anyway!

 

[ironsetr]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

Call and talk to Dave at Lockeman's hardware and boats he is the best downriver has been for the past 40 years he is located just north of springwells on west jefferrson in Delray he is the best Johnson outboard motor fixer in the state

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

It's ancient enough that a good number of places aren't interested in working on 'em... and that is why I mentioned it.

good liuck on finding anybody willing to work on a motor that old,hope it works out though your correct that many dealers dont want anything at all to do with classic motors.hence my suggestion about fixing it yourself.may be a lot faster in the long run.good luck either way.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

What do you consider reasonable price?

 

[aborgman]

Re: Mechanic reccomendation - Johnson RDS-24 tuneup, SE Michigan

What do you consider reasonable price?

I'm hoping to keep it under a couple hundred dollars.