What would you do?

[jbjennings]

Bought a '74 powerhead for my old merc on an auction site. Seller stated good powerhead, 150psi on all cylinders. Returns accepted. Recieved it, noticed the gasket surfaces on the base and aluminum walls were so corroded, there was basically only a 1/2 cm of surface left. I then opened the exhaust covers to replace the thermostat and popit valve and noticed scoring on the bottom cylinder, then found a 1/4" hole in the water jacket on the bottom cylinder's jacket. I informed the seller and he actually gave a full refund, said not to return it, and that he hoped there was something on it I could use....
I decided to try to use my aluminum welder to see if I could weld the hole in the water jacket and was successful (I couldn't believe it was really possible with all the corrosion that had to be on the inside of the jacket), and I built up the aluminum walls and gasket surfaces and filed them down level on the powehead base. Then I disassembled the block to inspect the crank. One of the rod bearing journals on the crank was badly pitted/rusted, making the crank unusable. I was able to use the block which I repaired, one piston, and my other pistons and crank to finally complete the powerhead.
Question: Would you offer to pay the seller something for the block at least. I tend to want to if only to reimburse the seller for the shipping. I'd like to be especially fair since the seller was honest (rare these days).
If so, how much would you go?
Just curious,
JBJ

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What would you do?

Since you did get something, I think paying for the shipping would be a nice gesture.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Re: What would you do?

The seller seems to have been pretty fair about the deal so I would probably pay him shipping and something towards the value of the usable parts. You did have labor in discovering the damage, and in repairing it. So I'm not sure about a fair price. The seller may have honestly thought everything was okay. Some people don't know what obvious issues are compared to an engine being okay.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What would you do?

I think paying the shipping evens it out fair enough, or compare that to what you'd pay at the boat junkyard for a locked-up parts motor.

I am sure you were surprised that he had the integrity to offer the refund, and he will be equally surprised to get something back from you.

 

[limitout]

Re: What would you do?

I agree paying the shipping is fair and if you feel he deserves it a little extra fair value for what was usable that would be very nice of you to do but I would only do that for the parts you didn't have to refurbish.

all the work you did on the block was what saved it from being scrap metal so he gave you nothing there but judge for yourself if you knew the exact condition and everything that was wrong with it and the state it was in when you bought it, what do you think it was worth?

as I understand it the only usable parts you got that didn't need to be redone by you is one piston so that's the way I see it, I would only pay shipping and your labor used up any value anything else had.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: What would you do?

Did you pay for shipping to you?
I sell a lot of stuff on e-bay/Craigslist etc.
I ALWAYS make sure the item I'm selling is 100% as stated.
I bought a 125hp Force.
It ran and had good comp, after I replaced the flywheel key.
I was selling it for parts anyway.
I was selling it to a guy in Va. But something said to remove the head.
I did and #3 was scored and the piston shot.
I called and canceled the deal.
He should have made sure the motor was in saleable condition.
He was good about returning your $ Keep it.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: What would you do?

Turns out that my weld job leaks and water is getting into the cylinders. It is extremely difficult fto get a leak proof weld with a mig welder---- It appears that I'm not capable! The welds look great, but leak anywhere the welds overlap. I'm sure it's my technique. It's very difficult to get the heat just right, and to get the metal perfectly clean. Stinks particularly because I've got so much time in it and the motor is idling very well---difficult for a 3-cylinder, 2 carbed merc to do. I think after all the stuff that's wrong with this powerhead, I'm going to just junk it. Hopefully a good block will be found for it. I do like the power/weight ratio on this merc, and when it's running it's a very enjoyable motor. Cranks great cold! ----er, it once did......
Thanks for all the replies,
JBJ