Pro's: What should I have done and how much should I pay?

[dmorley]

I've got a 1998 Starcraft Islander with a carborated 4.3 lt. 190 HP with a Mercury alpha I. Other than change the oil I've done nothing. The boat has been used primarily on fresh water but has been on salt water for a month each year in 1998, 2002, 2003. I know that the compression is off (range of 165 lb. to 90 lb.) and have a trusted machinist, who does know boat engines, schedualed to pull the heads. However, I would like your advice on what to ask the dealership to inspect, service, or replace on the outdrive and how much should I pay? My boss has her one week of vacation set for a salmon fishing trip on this boat and it would be more than just embarrasing if it failed.<br />Thanks

 

[fireship1]

Re: Pro's: What should I have done and how much should I pay?

Don, Have them pull the drive. You need to check all bellows for cracks and tears: Drive shaft, shift cable, and exhaust. Check the water intake hose in the bellow area for cracking.Check the trim sender wires for cracking.Check gimbal bearing for wear and binding. Check and lube u joints. Check gear lube in lower unit for water infiltration and metal chips. Replace impeller in lower unit. Drain and refill lower unit with proper gear lube. Check to make sure shift cable is operating properly. If not now is a good time to have changed while outdrive is off. Also have pressure tested and vacuum tested when reinstalled to make sure unit is not leaking or has any bad seals. Check and replace all zincs if needed on outdrive This should cover you as far as the outdrive goes. As far as how much it really depends on what the tech feels he needs to replace. Prices do vary from shop to shop. You might want to check around and see if you can get a good price on this kind of work, especially if all of these things do in fact need to be replaced. And if you need parts try to stick with genuine merc parts. (not trying to be a pitchman here but the OEM stuff lasts longer and fits better then the after-market stuff) Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Walt T]

Re: Pro's: What should I have done and how much should I pay?

Replace the manifolds and risers, impeller too.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Pro's: What should I have done and how much should I pay?

hello<br /> yep all that was said plus this. replave all fuel filters. and water test the boat thoroughly before heading out. risers and manifolds or at a minimum the risers. I am currently replacing the 3 year old risers on a pair of 1986 full fresh water cooled MIE engines. and I am replacing the port engine as well. guess what? I checked and the risers cost the same with or without the port engine. next is the 1986 7.4 340 hp is no longer availible as a new assy. we had to go with a mercruiser rebuild. time to catch up on the maint. I would change the drive bellows just cause its old and if it leaks the minimum is a wasted gimbal bearing and input yoke assy. the max is the boat sinks.<br />good luck and keep posting

 

[dmorley]

Re: Pro's: What should I have done and how much should I pay?

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've printed it out and will take it to the dealership with me. Also, this boat has the one piece Mercury manifolds and I've heard they are suspect and I kind of wanted to get rid of them anyway.