how much for outboard motor service?

eastcoastbernie

eastcoastbernie

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Me: Cambs Boat: SYH Levington
www.ritzystitches.com
Normally I take my outboard home for its annual washout with freshwater. I don't do much else because it hardly get used during the season so I figure it shouldn't need much.

This year I thought I would treat it to a proper service and have left it with instructions to take a look at it and to call me with a cost for the service. I mentioned that during last year while the engine had been quite happy to start on the trip ashore, it was somewhat reluctant to start again for the trip back to the boat.

They've just phoned with with a quote of £156.00 to service the outboard and clean up the carburetter.

Anyone know of anyone who would do this work for less?
 
That's not a million miles out Bernie...

It takes me 3 hours to remove and clean my carb... add another tenner for a new plug, a general once over and your easily into £130 or more at £30 an hour

You might get it a bit cheaper by phoning around, but not dramatically..
 
Oh well, I'm obviously just and old skinflint then. I just thought since it is an ancient old 2 hp 2-stroke engine worth about a hundred quid, paying one and a half times that to service it seemed to be a bit out of proportion.

Also, since I only use it on rare occasions - last year I don't think it was used at all - it does seem to be a bit expensive.

Guess I'd better work on my rowing!
 
eastcoastbernie said:
Oh well, I'm obviously just and old skinflint then. I just thought since it is an ancient old 2 hp 2-stroke engine worth about a hundred quid, paying one and a half times that to service it seemed to be a bit out of proportion.

Also, since I only use it on rare occasions - last year I don't think it was used at all - it does seem to be a bit expensive.

Guess I'd better work on my rowing!
Click to expand...

did it actually need a service Bernie.
fired-up in a green bin with fresh water in it is often enough. mine still has last years fuel in it :o
 
I usually just run it in a plastic dustbin full of fresh water, empty out the old fuel once I'm done, and put new fuel in at the start of the season, or before its first use. I don't know how to do anything else.

the engine stays on the pushpit most of the season then comes out for the odd trip ashore. To be honest I find heaving the dinghy out and inflating it enough of a mission, without worrying about whether the engine will start or not. Normally it starts OK on the trip from boat ashore, but is reluctant to start on the trip from shore back to the boat.

I can't row. Well I can, but only round and round in circles. So I need a reliable outboard if I'm to venture out in the dinghy. After what others have said, I might have to stump up for the service and hope it makes a difference to the performance. If the engine is reliable afterwards, it will probably be worth the money.

If it isn't any better, I guess I will have to consider getting a Honda 4 stroke, or perhaps just giving up going places where I have to use the dinghy.
 
Bernie,

If circumstances allow this summer location and weatherwise, i'll gladly show you how to remove and clean the carb.... its not difficult, just time consuming.... and then in future years you can do it yourself... at the cost of nothing but time
 
ditto what Morgana says , its not hard to strip a small carb (just dont drop bits :D ) to change oil in g/box (leg) takes 10 mins , plug change 3 mins ,
if your engine sits on your rail for most of the year might i suggest a squirt of
"fogging"oil either in the air intake or in the plug hole when you leave it , WD 40 sprayed over the elecs & top of engine (cover removed) will help prevent corrosion .

i used to do this every time i used my little engine .
 
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There is a fellow known as John the Bridge, who mans the Potton Bridge and occasionally the Havengore Bridge who on long winter nights when few are using the bridges, occupies his time servicing outboards. I drowned my little 1.5HP Johnson while it was running on a foul day when the chop was a bit big. John the Bridge got it going again and did a complete service for £40. If you ring the Potton Bridge two hours either side of high tide he just might be able to help you. The phone number should be in one or other of the East Coast Pilot books.

If that doesn't work Bernie, PM me and I will find out his email address from the Roach Sailing Association. You would probably have to deliver the outboard to either of the two bridges when John was there.
 
Morgana said:
Bernie,

If circumstances allow this summer location and weatherwise, i'll gladly show you how to remove and clean the carb.... its not difficult, just time consuming.... and then in future years you can do it yourself... at the cost of nothing but time
Click to expand...

I'd like to take you up on your kind offer of an outboard masterclass. I would be much happier if I understood the workings of the outboard and knew what was involved. I could drive round to Shotley with it if you have a window in the next few weeks. Or meet you at Market Deeping (or wherever it is you live).

My boat won't be launched until early May so I won't be sailing anywhere for a few weeks.
 
nigelm said:
ditto what Morgana says , its not hard to strip a small carb (just dont drop bits :D ) to change oil in g/box (leg) takes 10 mins , plug change 3 mins ,
if your engine sits on your rail for most of the year might i suggest a squirt of
"fogging"oil either in the air intake or in the plug hole when you leave it , WD 40 sprayed over the elecs & top of engine (cover removed) will help prevent corrosion .

i used to do this every time i used my little engine .
Click to expand...

That is all very encouraging. What's fogging oil?
 
Glayva said:
There is a fellow known as John the Bridge, who mans the Potton Bridge and occasionally the Havengore Bridge who on long winter nights when few are using the bridges, occupies his time servicing outboards. I drowned my little 1.5HP Johnson while it was running on a foul day when the chop was a bit big. John the Bridge got it going again and did a complete service for £40. If you ring the Potton Bridge two hours either side of high tide he just might be able to help you. The phone number should be in one or other of the East Coast Pilot books.

If that doesn't work Bernie, PM me and I will find out his email address from the Roach Sailing Association. You would probably have to deliver the outboard to either of the two bridges when John was there.
Click to expand...

I love the idea of John the Bridge whiling away the long winter nights with a bit of outboard engine maintenance. Not sure the location is going to work for me though. I think it's out of reach of my fin keel, and if I drive, the current fuel costs will outweigh any saving in service costs. But I won't rule it out just yet, just in case I have another reason to be in that direction. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
eastcoastbernie said:
I love the idea of John the Bridge whiling away the long winter nights with a bit of outboard engine maintenance. Not sure the location is going to work for me though. I think it's out of reach of my fin keel, and if I drive, the current fuel costs will outweigh any saving in service costs. But I won't rule it out just yet, just in case I have another reason to be in that direction. Thanks for the suggestion.
Click to expand...

Bernie

If you want to go the 'John the bridge' route, I can collect from you when passing (if you bring the engine back) and drop it off when I'm down at my boat. It's only up the road. Should be able to get it sorted by May.
let me know
 
flipper said:
Bernie

If you want to go the 'John the bridge' route, I can collect from you when passing (if you bring the engine back) and drop it off when I'm down at my boat. It's only up the road. Should be able to get it sorted by May.
let me know
Click to expand...
Patrick, John the Bridge can be found at Sutton's Wharf most weekends if the tide is not full working on his Westerly or more likely drinking tea in the RSA 'shed'. If you're quick [I'm not sure when he is going in] it might be easier than driving around to Wakering.
 
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