Outboard Repair Service???

[Bill Babler]

We’ll, Bite my Tongue. Just looked online and the Mercury Lube kit for my 4 stroke is $114.00 plus hourly shop rate so I guess that’s what it cost. 

That’s on Amazon and that’s what they charged me.  Actually $112.00 for the kit and then labor and tax. 

Never Mind.  Did I mention I was old and foolish?

 

 

[m&m]

Every boat owner should have a maintenance fund with easy access. 
Mike

[Bill Babler]

Mike, your right. The purchase price Is the tip of the iceberg. 

[Champ188]

On 8/11/2021 at 2:38 PM, vernon said:

Guilty as charged - wish I woulda known to ask you first!

Actually I checked with Wrench and he didn't see any reason for me to make the drive all the way to his place for such a basic service.

Now we both know better!

Of course if Johnny hadn't torn up his Evinrude contract and gone exclusive Mercury a year after I bought the boat I coulda had it serviced at Cabela's where I bought it in the first place.

Ten minutes from my driveway.

At the risk of repeating myself .... you got Johnnied. Every product he touches is reduced to crap for the good of the profit margin, aka Johnny's pocket. And if you buy up all of the competition, you can screw everyone over and they'll still come back and give you more of their money.

[Bill Babler]

Six or 7 years ago I read a comparison of the cost between using a 4 stroke vs a 2 stroke and was amazed that the 2 was less yearly cost if you followed the service recommendations of the manufacturer. This was on Yamahammer and Mercury. 

At that time I was running a 250 ProXs and Don House was running a 250 4 stroke hammer. We were talking at the gas station and he was spending about twice the fuel cost as I was and that didn’t include the 4 Stroke lube and maintenance. 

I was changing my own lower unit gear oil. 

I guess moral of the story is ya got to pay to play. 
 

 

[fishinwrench]

I still haven't seen a 4-stroke outboard outlast it's original set of spark plugs.  

I will say this though......When they go, they'll usually limp back home.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

27 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

I still haven't seen a 4-stroke outboard outlast it's original set of spark plugs.  

My Mercury 40 jet was on its 3rd set is less than 2 years.  Smoked from day one and cut out continuously.  I ditched it for a rude.