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MicHughV · 04-03-2022, 07:05

I've tried cleaning outboard carbs before..dismantled them, etc, etc...but still no go...

Ended up taking them to an outboard shop, for a "wash and soak".....I don't know what they have in that barrel that they use as bath tub, but whatever it is, it cleans those carbs like I never could. Worth the money for me.

Premium outboard motor oil can run $40.....
don't forget the lower gear case oil
oil filter....
prop gets pulled and bearing inspected....
new plugs.....
new thermostats....

usually followed by a test run....etc

not sure where you guys thinks $1,000 is unreasonable....

BugzyCan · 04-03-2022, 12:52

Thanks for the advise everyone. I have no problems doing normal maintenance on it myself. Impeller, lower oil, sparkplugs, oil filter are all simple, but as mentioned, doing anything with a motor like this without knowing what you are doing can cause more harm, so I am thinking to just let the guy do it. Once the motor is running normally, then I can take over maintenance.
This is not for a MacGregor boat. I bought a small speedboat from a neighbor. I have heard of people putting a 90 on a Mac 26X or M though, and it works OK. The sailboat gets up on plane easily, and gets a lot of chuckles as they blow past a lot of others with the boom up.

Boatyarddog · 04-03-2022, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by BugzyCan

So I bought this used boat that came with 90hp Mercury 2 stroke outboard.
I asked a local tech to ballpark costs to get this running and this was the result

- compression test
- soak/clean carbs
- new sparkplugs
- new impeller
- lower fork oil
- gas filter

$1000.

Does that sound about right? Seems like a lot to me, but maybe I just have no clue.

Wow!

Gold tipped spark plugs?
Should be half that in the USA?
3 hrs labor $130 hr
Parts..$100 max.
Boatyarddog

Boatyarddog · 04-03-2022, 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicHughV

I've tried cleaning outboard carbs before..dismantled them, etc, etc...but still no go...

Ended up taking them to an outboard shop, for a "wash and soak".....I don't know what they have in that barrel that they use as bath tub, but whatever it is, it cleans those carbs like I never could. Worth the money for me.

Premium outboard motor oil can run $40.....
don't forget the lower gear case oil
oil filter....
prop gets pulled and bearing inspected....
new plugs.....
new thermostats....

usually followed by a test run....etc

not sure where you guys thinks $1,000 is unreasonable....

It's a 2 stroke, 2 cycle tank most likely, 4qts 35.00
NO oil filter!
Tstat at if needed, 25.00
Boatyarddog

MicHughV · 04-03-2022, 16:15

The problem with most 2 strokes that have been sitting for a while is the carb. It gets gooped up with leftover fuel/oil gas.
You'll have no idea, when the engines was serviced last.
You'll likely need new plugs, impeller plus all the other stuff.
If the motor has been run in seawater, there will likely be other corrosion or electronic issues.

You do it your way...and I'll do it my way.

OutOfControl · 04-03-2022, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by BugzyCan

Thanks for the advise everyone. I have no problems doing normal maintenance on it myself. Impeller, lower oil, sparkplugs, oil filter are all simple, but as mentioned, doing anything with a motor like this without knowing what you are doing can cause more harm, so I am thinking to just let the guy do it. Once the motor is running normally, then I can take over maintenance.

Bugzy, I have done all the items in your list to my Johnson 150.
The impeller job alone involves a few hours of labor as the lower unit needs to be removed and replaced.

I would suggest buying an OEM service manual, not a Seloc or other off brand. OEM only! You'll be glad you did.

PuttingDoctor · 04-03-2022, 17:25

Hahaha! Thanks for clearing up the misconception of the motor vs MacGregor. Once when sailing the Mac I was keeping at my dock on Lake Weir we were sailing in a Sunday race with the Ocala Sailing Club. We were becalmed for some time on the east side of the lake and I took it upon myself to lower the Honda 45 and to start it.
We idled away from the rest of the fleet as some began to realize the advantage.
As we crossed the finish line I made sure to steer close to the committee boat and to fess up prior to the outrage of the rest who crossed later.
It was fun and we were the first to get to the bar.

BugzyCan · 04-03-2022, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

It's a 2 stroke, 2 cycle tank most likely, 4qts 35.00
NO oil filter!
Tstat at if needed, 25.00
Boatyarddog

Oops, that should have said Gas filter.

BHumphrys · 11-03-2022, 07:08

Personally, I would simply use fresh gas and try starting it. I have a 9.9 Johnson that sat for 8 years and it started on the third pull.

After sitting for an extended time, about the only problem you may encounter is the old fuel getting gummy in the carb. The fix then is to remove disassemble, and clean the carb.

BugzyCan · 11-03-2022, 07:16

I have it in with a mechanic now. He test ran it and it was fine. Apparently a 2 stroke is better than a 4 in regard to sitting for long periods of time because of the gas/oil mix.

He is swapping out the basic parts, impeller, gas filter, oil etc. and adding a few other details like fixing the rusted steering cable that I was unable to extricate from the tube, and adding a bilge pump that was missing. Next up will be adding a ladder, and greasing up the trailer axle bearings and deciding if I should replace that rusting axle.
Oh, and I need to add a spare tire to the trailer. Important stuff.

lestersails · 11-03-2022, 07:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicHughV

I've tried cleaning outboard carbs before..dismantled them, etc, etc...but still no go...

Ended up taking them to an outboard shop, for a "wash and soak".....I don't know what they have in that barrel that they use as bath tub, but whatever it is, it cleans those carbs like I never could. Worth the money for me.

Premium outboard motor oil can run $40.....
don't forget the lower gear case oil
oil filter....
prop gets pulled and bearing inspected....
new plugs.....
new thermostats....

usually followed by a test run....etc

not sure where you guys thinks $1,000 is unreasonable....

Hi MicHughV -
Was intrigued by your note as I have to start a similar job tomorrow morning on my Suzuki 9.9 (forecast is for 29-39 degrees and 'wintry mix' - perfect day for doing a motor job in the basement, eh?)
What is it you meant by "Premium outboard motor oil'? As part of my recent purchase, the dealer set me up with the parts for all of this. He included what looks to be OEM branded motor oil and gear lube "Yamalube" (A Yamaha OEM product, I assume). What is 'Premium', why do you advocate for it, and do you consider Yamalube to be in that category?
Thanks for considering this rookie question.

Carl-T705 · 11-03-2022, 08:36

I'm sure that rate is the spring time everybody wants the engine worked on now rate. You should have gone with the January I got to pay my credit card Christmas bill and the company taxes are due next month rate. It's a lot of money!!!!

Carl-T705 · 11-03-2022, 08:43

I'm sure no one gets a rebuilt carb nowadays. All you get is a disassembly clean and minor tune up parts. Unless you have had ethanol fuel sit in the carbs for five years... Then you get new carbs. You never know till you get in there, the PO may have actually stored the engine correctly and a new impeller and spark plugs could be all it needs