out board mt courses

[RangerMike]

Hey everyone Im new here--nice forum.<br /><br />Im thinking about taking a course to better learn how to do my own maintenance.<br />I have a 1990 merc XR4 150 on a 361 Ranger bassboat,5blade prop.<br />I have the merc service manuel and from looking through it--man I need some expensive specialty tools<br />if I decide to go further than just regular mantenance..<br /><br />Should I take a cource at the local Community college<br />or just go the book route..<br /><br />thanks,<br />mike

 

[walleyehed]

Re: out board mt courses

Welcome aboard, Mike!<br /> This is a tough question to answer for several reasons, number 1 being, How mechanically inclined are you???<br /> The problem is, there is no school that can teach the "Basics" better than visiting right here on this forum.<br /> You would have to posess "some" mechanical skills to tackle more than standard maintenance issues, and I'm not sure that isn't something that comes with experience over time.<br />Visit the Merc board often, the General outboards tab, and listen.....the guys here are about as good as it could ever be-Dealers, boat racers, top mechanics, and yes, the true GURUs' exist here as well............

 

[alcan]

Re: out board mt courses

Hi Mike<br />Don't get me wrong, I would never deny anyone an education. If your CC offers such a course go for it. How ever if you perform your regular maint and service, you may never need those expencive tools.

 

[RangerMike]

Re: out board mt courses

Thanks guys - Im pretty mecanically inclind and I will from now on keep this forum in view.Lot of good info here it seems..<br />thanks,<br />mike

 

[Solittle]

Re: out board mt courses

mike - Instead of a community college check around to see if a program is offered in outboard maintenance in a vocational tech school. There the emphasis will be more on how to fix stuff and actual hands on work than grades. Years ago I did this here in Miami. I had been given an old 35 hp Gale (made by OMC as a "value" line). I took it down to the last bolt. I had lots a fun going through their scrap pile of junked motors scrounging parts. I cleaned, polished, adjusted, repaired and painted it from top to bottom and had a ball doing it. Much to my surprise it fired up on about the third pull. The irony was I had no need for the motor when I was done. I managed to sell it for what I had in it plus a couple of six packs. Go for it - - <br /><br />Oh by the way - stop by here with your questions or just tell us about your experience from time to time. Reading here is the next best thing than hands on.

 

[knobby]

Re: out board mt courses

Mike,<br />Welcome aboard. Man, when you found this forum, you just enrolled in outboard school. I've found more help and good sound advise on this board than from any boat mechanic or dealer anywhere. The bonus is you learn a lot more than you ever thought and converse with guys and gals who share your love and interest in boating. Just find a good comfortable seat near the front and the only thing you have to pay is attention. Always salute the admirals...

 

[RangerMike]

Re: out board mt courses

Hey thanks for the help guys