rebuild or replace?

[mollysdad]

I have a '93 90hp on a 19.5' northwoods. I bought it used, it ran fine 1st yr, last year started having power issues but they seem to work out. This year finally able to get on water, buzzer within 5 mins.. took it to a shop they opened it up, the pistons are banging around in the cylinders. So far they quoted me round $1000 (starting). I willing to give a shot at rebuilding this winter. I was getting about 37mph pulling a grown-up on tube. would like more speed, but maybe rebuild might enough. HELP!

 

[JB]

Re: rebuild or replace?

I think for a thousand bux I would look for a nice used JohnnyRude 90 and part out the Force, dad.

You could get enough for the Force parts and controls to get controls, etc. for the JohnnyRude. Force parts are in demand.

 

[captquest]

Re: rebuild or replace?

JB's got a good point. In a perfect world you should be able to get a dream engine for that cool grand. Find a motivated seller, a documented motor that perrs like a three week old kitten. Won't even have to think about it for years to come. And selling all your old stuff on ebay, piece of cake you'll get all your money back in no time. Can you tell I'm being facetious I just spent weeks struggling with these same decisions. Looks real good on paper JB. Reality...Last year you bought a used engine, today it needs a rebuild, how much are you going to gamble this time? OR, just how do you feel about the one you already own? Is it a piece of crap you want to get rid of or has it been good ? BTW you know that estimate is going to be low, be prepared to pay more. I hate these decisions, good luck and happy boating. OK correction looks like you had it two years before it quit.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: rebuild or replace?

Well, I sort-of disagree. These engines are easy to rebuild and unless you have eight thumbs and scrambled eggs for brains, you can do it yourself. Just be sure to buy a repair manual first. First choice would be factory manual; second choice would be Clymers

Forget about the shop--they are giving you a low-ball figure. More likely you will end up paying 2500. As a word of mouth backyard mechanic who does it for a hobby, I charge 450-500 for labor plus parts so a complete rebuild usually goes around 1500 bucks and I am working cheap. And face it: unless you are lucky, a decent condition engine will cost more than 1000 bucks.

So, if you are willing to do the work, A complete rebuild -- 4 pistons, gasket set, incidentals will cost less than 1000 in parts. Provided the crankshaft is good.

Then, for your 1000, you know exactly what you have, not some unknown engine described as "Ran when I put it in the garage" which translated means "piece of crap", and you have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Having never done one, you could expect to put about 20 hours of labor into it and there will be some frustration due to broken bolts and corrosion issues--but it is doable. Good winter project. Lots of satisfaction and save some money.

 

[mollysdad]

Re: rebuild or replace?

Thanks, The more I think about it the better off I'll be, doing the rebuild myself. Being new to this forum and having seen the advice, I feel that I could do it. I'm sure you'll be getting more questions from me. Thanks again!

 

[captquest]

Re: rebuild or replace?

I agree with Frank whole hartedly. If you read my post carefully, I'm implying that finding a used motor that will run great and trouble free for a thousand is longshot.