Which mechanic category are you in?

[SteveMcD]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

So far my engine has broke down six times. Knowing my engine and electrical system has saved me beauceau $$$ in towing and repairs.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

...

 

[andrewddrennon]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

I went to a trade school that taught mostly mercury,mercruiser,volvo, and omc. Just finished my first season at a coffman marina LoZ.
Im enrolled at mercury school but it will still be a couple years before i get finish my certs.

And here I am sitting at home waiting for spring. Not sure what this makes me.

 

[DianneB]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

My Daddy was a master mechanic of the highest order, a stickler's stickler, a perfectionist. No boys in the family so as the oldest guess who got stuck helping Daddy - didn't matter that I hated getting dirty! :redface: - learned more than I ever wanted to know about vehicles, machinery, and engines. With that kind of background and so many incompetent and dishonest mechanics around, is it any wonder I usually do my own work? And I STILL hate getting dirty but I want it RIGHT!

 

[makosnax]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

I am a certified forklift tech, but new to outboards.Strong electrical background, but hope to have a better understanding of outboards in the near future.The more I dig and ask questions, the more I understand.As I found at my full-time job,understanding theory and having access to repair information is the foundation of every good mechanic.That being said,this forum is worth it's weight in gold.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

My first tuneup was the family car. 1950 olds V8. I was sooo good that day.

It did 7 mph floored & looked like a Diesel bus pulling away.

 

[durban]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

iam the first bush mechanic born in Africa, spent most of my life there & happen to be the only person in world to do the conversion on my 60hp

 

[Johny25]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

I certified myself the day I figured I couldn't afford to take anything to any mechanic lol. My daddy told me if a man built and designed it then you should be able to take it apart and put it back together. I do have a backround in working on diesel engines in tugboats (Detroits and Cats), certified welder, can fabricate anything you can basically conjure up given I have the equipment to do so. And if it has a manual then the rest is a piece of cake. I think most people get intimidated by outboards is all. Once you overcome the fear and just start tearing into things it is really not that difficult. And a little confidence in yourself goes a long way

 

[sutor623]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

iam the first bush mechanic born in Africa, spent most of my life there & happen to be the only person in world to do the conversion on my 60hp

That orange is sexy Skeeta-Bo!

 

[sutor623]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Johny25 we'd get along just fine. I just think that some people just do not have the 'natural' ability or patience, or passion rather, to do it. No one cares about the outboard stories or work we put into the motors, but then when you're on the water and your friends and wife are with you, everyone expects everything to be happy go lucky...... Go figure. Whatever though, my boat motors are just like my cars. Only time I bring my car into the shop is for an inspection, tire change, or alignment, period....

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

If anything I'm a shadetree/backyard mechanic. Someone said in a previous response that if man designed/made it, one can fix it. I've always had this mentality. I remember at the age of 14 a VHS tape got jammed in my uncles VCR (for the record VCR's were high priced items in the early 80's), I proceeded to take it apart...my uncle walked in an had a heart attack...there I was in the middle of the living room with all the pieces laid out...long story short, not only was I able to removed VHS tape and make it functional again, I was also able to put the VCR back together, which they had for many years afterwards!!!

Theses forums, if nothing else, are a great confidence booster...if you think you can do and can find a couple of experienced guys to back you up, then not only can one do it, you'll do better than most professional mechanics (that's IMO and experiences!)

Last summer made an appointment to have my carbs rebuilt...cruised iboats and youtube, ordered rebuild kits, once they arrived 4 hours later I have my carbs done (I have never rebuilt carbs before). I now have that knowledge and am happy to share it with anyone that'll listen!!!

 

[CVX20SPRINT]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Long time Licensed auto-tech although there is not too much I haven't worked on.Fairly new to outboards though.
The way I see it either you can do it or you can't.It's all nuts and bolts.The certification is just something to hang on the wall.

 

[durban]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Johny25 we'd get along just fine. I just think that some people just do not have the 'natural' ability or patience, or passion rather, to do it. No one cares about the outboard stories or work we put into the motors, but then when you're on the water and your friends and wife are with you, everyone expects everything to be happy go lucky...... Go figure. Whatever though, my boat motors are just like my cars. Only time I bring my car into the shop is for an inspection, tire change, or alignment, period....

i agree with you m8t , it gives me great pleasure to fix things i drive or skipper , then at the end of the day iam happy cause ive saved money & KNOW that the job has been done proply ,

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Retired ASE certified auto tech. No experience with outboards but if I have to I'll
tackle anything on it, armed with a shop manual.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Ummm, I know almost enough to be dangerous ...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Lotta folks that post on here are being bashful. It doesn't hurt, let it out. Helps us to respect or ignore your responses when you offer helpful advice. Some names are benchmark and others are obviously blow-hards. Answering will help us to separate the men from the boys.

Mark

 

[ba_50]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

944 views and only 35 responses. Hmm.

bumped.

 

[FastFission]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

OK, I'll give it a shot...

Strictly shade tree (grew up on a farm). I have always been mechanically inclined and I will try pretty much anything for which I have tools. Mechanical Engineering degree (surprisingly not that helpful with regard to actually working on things, although the background doesn't hurt).

Carl

 

[eclipse196]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

Hey fastfission. I grew up on a farm on the oregon/Idaho border. Now in New Orleans. Been an auto, farm, construction mechanic. Remodeled houses, pretty much a jack of all trades. I agree, if a man built it, a man should be able to fix it. I will tackle anything at least once.

 

[crossroads123]

Re: Which mechanic category are you in?

I'm just an old man trying to get by.
I spent 24 years in the defense of this great nation then retired and formed my own trucking company. I retired 2 years ago after almost 3 million accident free miles as an owner/operator. I can fix just about anything which is a good thing when you live on retirement.