merc/mariner ,waiting for outboard parts..zzzz

[blue_anchor]

stripped my mariner5 carb,overhauled the float assy,decided to replace same and pilot screw..drove 30 miles to nearest big city,nil stock,drove back to sleepy local agent,nil stock at barrus,still waiting two weeks later,boat not boatable,very sad,understand all parts cant be onshelf,but surely these are not exotic bits,not even a manifold gasket??on a common motor??aah,a glimmer,company dont want diy,want silly yottie to struggle with seaweed dripping o/b to go to dealers,where yts man will diligently open big service pack for lots of dosh,graunch a few bolts,keep yottie wating just as long"full overhaul mate"sharp intake of breath..$%$$^^+vat..mabe reduce distributors overheads with minimalistic stock philosophy,but does nothing for p.r....or brand loyalty!!

 

[chippie]

Perhaps you could find ot who the national master agents are and contact them with your concerns , including your remark about holding on to brand loyalty.

 

[nightjar]

They don't deserve any loyalty as they are just taking the p*ss.

Have an old Mercury 2.2 and the engine is on its last legs. Inquire of the dealer how much a replacement motor would be and its more than buying a brand new outboard; that tells you all you need to know about Merc/ Mariner and the rest !

Contrast this with Briggs & Stratton who sell a 4.5 HP lawnmower engine complete with fuel tank for little more than £105; pity it won't fit the outboard.

 

[mark_turner]

When I wanted a couple of those little radiused friction pad thingys that grip the engine to hold it in a straight line I was shocked at the price quoted by my local Mercury dealer (I recall about £20 for two ) and the fact that it would take a week or two to get them in. I went onto the internet and found an American supplier who was very happy to help me - didn't want loads of details - just a description much as above and the year of the outboard. I ordered the parts and paid by credit card they arrived before the weekend and cost about £6 including postage from USA. Easy.