WHAT are people thinking who THINK they are a mechanic ?

[tonyiiiafl]

I have been around gas engines many years, but my forte are diesel engines. Old school Detroits, Series 60’s and some Cummins.

My engines have been running poor;y according to me, so I tuned the starboard engine last week. Spark p.ugh came out gapped at .030, spec’s asked for .035. Distributor cap had center electrode worn right down, so I do not think the mechanic who replaced that engine 5 years ago did his job as he charged me for those parts. Distributor has ONE screw holding the cap dow. Replaced plugs (.035), wires with marine Mercruiser wires, OEM cap and rotor. She starts best ever, and runs smooth. I was going to wait until spring for the port, but figured while I was in there…..

Port engine was also a tough one to get at. Replaced spark plugs, (at least they came out gapped at .035!)cap and rotor came out looking good, but replaced with OEM too. Wires, the sweet wires…..this guy who did the work on this engine had them zip tied together, 4 of them, then 3, then 2…..the zip ties were SO tight the wires had grooves in teh, Non marine wires and I am sure there was some cross firing!. ANYWAY got the wires in the separators, clipped them in, and made sure there were 4 screws in teh distributor. Hit the key and it spun right to life, as it should. It used to start hard, and very hard when warm. People said it was because the engine had 1100 hours. However, compression was good to great. I am concluding that the wires tied together were the biggest problem, yes I used OEM Mercruiser wires. Now. onto the next project.

[Viper]

Cutting corners on parts and proper practices is never a good thing, it always comes back to haunt you eventually. It's no wonder most techs get a bad rap because of some that shouldn't be allowed on a boat. It's an embarrassment to the industry quite frankly but little is being done to improve it unfortunately.

Glad you got her purring Tony.

[Midnightsun]

I have had just as bad experience with "Certified Marine Mechanics" There are some excellent ones out there unfortunately rather hard to find and when you do find one, hang on to him the best you can. In fact this is why I started doing everything possible on my own, mistakes made by "professional" that cost me time, money and a lot of aggravation. I do have a guy that is great which I hire when needed.

Just did all my oil and filter changes last Friday. Took the better part of the day but I know everything is perfect and up to my standards which are rather high. No oil drips and greasy foot/finger prints everywhere the mechanic has been. Oil filters lubed and tightened properly by hand so I don't need to punch a screwdriver through to get it off next time around. Triple checked oil levels after running the engines/generator and disposed of oil properly.

Got another full day planned for haul out, pressure washing the bottom and winterization of engines/water systems sometime in the next week or 2.

A little common sense and taking the time to do it right goes a long way. Happy endings and a better understanding of your boat is always a good thing.

[tonyiiiafl]

Totally agree with you both. I am meticulous. It takes the same amount of time to do it right the first time. One more trip for us next weekend then we start the winterization process. Didn’t change oil and filters last year due to admiral hospitalization and only putting 9 hours on. We did approx 35 this year due to weather. But got many projects done. Will do oil and filters on engines and genset. Winterize genset then take her for that last 15 mile ride up the river for haul out second week of October.

[bud37]

" What are people thinking who think they are a mechanic."

How much can I charge for not doing this, boat owners will never notice....... that would be my educated guess.

Actually Tony that is the major reason we quit boating, could not find good trustworthy people to do the work we could no longer do due to health/age....I would have gladly paid believe me.

Good idea keeping the plug wires separated and routed away from grounds etc.....lots of hidden issues there.

[tonyiiiafl]

I understand about doing things yourself as you know they are done properly. Taking her out for a last trip next weekend before prepping for the winter nap.

[SteveMyhre]

This is why I do most my own maintenance on my cars too. FAR too many things broken/done wrong ... especially at quick lube stores.

[tonyiiiafl]

yep! I never use a quick lube place. I usually go back to the dealer.

[Midnightsun]

Too many horror at the dealership for me, do my own oil changes, brakes and general maintenance. Cars only see the dealership for recalls or work required under warranty. Now that we own 2 Teslas, not much to do at all except winter tire swap and lube the brake sliders while doing so. Heck since one hardly ever uses the brakes on a Tesla, they claim 200,000km before requiring a brake job. The kids cars keep me on my toes though.

[Dad Joke]

I'm glad I can do my own maintenance and repair. There's not a technician in this world who cares as much about my boat as I do.