When do you say enough is enough

[Sparkinator]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Thats what happens with used boats. I bought mine used last year, and a friend spent about 6 times as much on a new one. I've probably had more downtime on my boat and been towed in once (previous owner didn't install starter correctly), but haven't had to make any payments and those would suck, especially in the off season.

You've had far more serious issues than I've experienced, but I think buying used and going through a few setbacks is much better than spending more than you have to for new. Just make sure when issues arise, get them fixed RIGHT, so you won't have to keep going over the same heartache over and over.

JMHO

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

The boat I bought last year was easy to get running right and I used it quite a bit. The first or second time out this year my Transom caved and when I went in I found all the wood was rotted. The PO hid it well with new carpet and a little paint. After 2 months downtime and repairs I got it back out and am already planning on another up-grade next spring. The nice thing is I bought low and will re-coup my expenses. I won't get my time back, but I was paid for that with a lesson learned. I seem to buy a boat, fix it up and feel the need to do it again. This will be my third in 6 years.

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

deep breath, find a fax machine, printer, something you don't use and go office space it.

Then think, next year this time my boat will be in perfect shape after these issues are resolved.

Continue to take junk that you can destroy from neighbors and friends until boat is in proper working condition

Love it, i just watched that movie last week. Great idea.

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Thanks guys, it's good to know i'm not the only one who has problems. I knew i would have some work to do buying a used boat. But had no clue it woud be this much. This is my second boad, my first was an outboard 18', that i never did a thing to, besides maintanance. Fired it up and went. It was even a force 120, which i heard nothing but bad things about.

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Ok, i recieved a phone call from the owner of the dealer who is checking over my boat. he talked to the mechanic who is servicing it, and stated that he took it out on the water today, and got the boat up onto plane, but once he reached plane, the boat would die down and return to idle, and fall off plane. Did some tests and saw the fuel pressure regulator is only pushing 20 psi, instead of aprox. 38. What the hell is causing this now. When i used the boat just last weekend, i had a hard time getting it up on plane, and it just had a lack of power, like i'm running only half power, but once going was able to go around the lake with out it dying, like it did for the mechanic. Anyway he said the part was about 200 with 6 hours of labor totaling over 800 bucks. So, do i just leave the plug out and back it into the lake?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Call another marina and price shop the job, but plan to have your original marina do the work because they "own" your problem along with you. If the price is way out of line tell him what you got for a quote and ask him to get his price down. Have him do the work and save the old part for you, this way you have evidence if there is no improvement, and the part can go back in if needed.
I supervise car repair guys and don't know the layout of your engine but 6 hours install & test time sounds like 4 hours too much, as compared to a current chevy truck v8. On the other hand there may be a diagnostic "path" that Mercruiser specifies that took this kind of time. In that case you are being billed for time spent on your problem. You can also go to boatfix.net and look up the part cost. They will be cheaper than a retail shop but you can get a feel for whether you are hearing the truth.
Don't quit now you are almost there.

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Thats a good idea. I'll talk to a few dealers and see what it would cost to replace the fuel pressure regulator, and at the same time see where the part is located. From going around reading other posts it looks as if they are on top of the motor, fairly easily accessable. I'm being told by the dealer that it is on the bottom side and they have to lift the block up to get at it. You or anyone else out there wouldn't happen to know where this part is located on a 2000 350 Mag MPI? I think that i'm going to have to be making a phone call to them tomorrow, something not quite right.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

DAMN I just replaced the fuel pressure regulator on my 01 chevy silverado With a 5.3 Took me 10 minutes One plug u pull off by hand and 1 c clip holds on regulator Part was $69.00 at Napa Wow I cant believe[but dont know] how it could be so $$$$$$$$

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

And yes on my Chevy it is real accessable Its about the size of a shot glass on top of the engine port side

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Thats what i'm afraid of, i'm being told it's on the underside of the motor so they can make back some of the money they put into it, they screwed up the steering piston, and had to do a complet replacement, cost them a few bucks. I'm just waiting for someone to verify where it is on the merc motor before i and pick up the boat.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Just FYI You might want to google FUel pressure reg etc so you can see what they look like and $$$ I just did 1st glance was anywhere $86 to $154 for the part I did a REAL quick look tho....

 

[avenger79]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

must be a wis thing. bought mine 3 seasons ago. got at least 3 hours of use after spending tons of money on that great little gem.

i can work on motorcycles,trucks, and houses but boats just baffle me. problem is when your at the mercy of a wrench monkey they will screw you over. must be a jealousy thing, they hate you can have things. i don't know what it is for real but i'm in the same situation as you.

i have decided to try one more time. this time with a more normal engine config to me. the i/o style.

the present boat is going either to my son as a gift or to rawhide.

lessons learned since buying my boat: boaters trying to sell are lying thieves.

boat mechanics are incompetent swindlers looking for an easy buck because they are incapable of doing a good job.

nothing we can do about it really but at least you know you're not alone

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

lessons learned since buying my boat: boaters trying to sell are lying thieves.

boat mechanics are incompetent swindlers looking for an easy buck because they are incapable of doing a good job.

nothing we can do about it really but at least you know you're not alone

Paint with a broad brush much?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

I can understand your frusteration HOWEVER alot of people on this forum have sold and work on boats A bit harsh u r Gonaa make some enemies like that better luck next time Chill!!!
MSOJJO one hitch i might see on you labor cost is that some FP REGs are mounted on the fuel cooler Not familiar w that but if its under the engine..... dunno I saw a Sierra FPR for $96 that I think is for ur boat

 

[avenger79]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Paint with a broad brush much?

maybe, or maybe it's a well deserved comment that those in the marine ind should take notice of.

in 3 years i've not had a single positive experience, ok the guy who pulled me in off the water was cool.

my experience and that of the original poster are not the exception they are the absolute norm in the boat industry. boaters seem to accept this type of treatment with a shrug. i don't understand that.

 

[msojjo]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

I did check out this site, and i think i found the fpr for my boat was just under 100. So i'm guessing a merc part is in the 175 range. I'm not sure where the fuel cooler is either, but if i can find out that would be great, i really don't want to get screwed.

avenger, it's a sucky position. I have 4 hours on the boat, motor has been taken out twice, and now to be taken out for the third time to get at the fuel pressure regulator, it's a bit obserd. If the dealer is legit i'm ok with the charges, we all need to get paid for the work that we do. I'm a bit mechanically inclined, but in my boat, i have to take the whole thing apart just to see the stupid motor. I just have no where to do the work, so i'm with you with taking it in.

 

[scca vette]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

hmmm I would do some looking at the motor before I paid that kind of money. It looks like the regulator can be 1 of 2 places, either on the fuel rail or on top of the fuel cooler.

The link below shows it on the fuel rail (Box with #14 in it). Pull the pretty cover and see if you see the regulator on the end of the fuel rail
http://marinepowerservice.com/BoatingStore/specimage.cfm?index_nbr=7752&block_nbr=90

If it is there it is a 10 minute job. If you do not see it there, follor the fuel lines and see if you can locate it. Some pictures of the engine might help us see what you have and locate it for you.

 

[scca vette]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

And FYI the prices do range all over the place depending on where it is located and where you buy it. If you go to NAPA (or something like them) they can pull it up on the computer and show you where it is located and give you a price. I would imagine they will be a LOT higher priced than what you can buy it on line unless you have a connection att he store.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

mjojjo c your other post w dons answer

 

[scca vette]

Re: When do you say enough is enough

Looks like this is what the cooler will look like. If you do not have it on the fuel rail look and see if you can locate this.

http://www.boats.net/images/diagrams/Merc2/COMMON//22806.png