Hi Everyone,
I bought my first boat about this time last year, with a 1990 Johnson 115HP. At the time I bought the motor it had a new VRO fitted and a new water pump. It has also just had a new CDO/CDI? unit fitted to it after it died on the water, and a reconditioned gearbox too.
Immediately after the fitting of the CDI unit, I noticed a banging sound at higher RPM (only on the water) and took it back to my boat dealer (again) when I got the bad news: Sounds like a scuffed piston, it will be about $4k to rebuild it and we're not interested - find someone else, or buy a new motor (and gave me retail pricing on new Yamaha.) (He also suggested I just put it on online shop "Buyer Beware" but I'm not that kind of scumbag).
I spoke with a marine mechanic, he didn't want to do the work on the boat becaue he was busy and because of the age of the motor (and the fact he's a mobile mechanic and the motor is a big unit).
So now I'm struggiling with what to do and looking for help and advice. I think I have two options:
1. Sell the motor as is for whatever I can get, and use that money towards a second hand motor,
2. Find someone who can rebuild the motor.
I've written off the idea of buying a new motor - putting a $14k motor on the boat I have now only makes sense if I plan on keeping it for 4-5 years, and i don't think I'll keep it that long... the lure of a larger boat is already strong.
I think the best solution (most cost effective) is to rebuild the motor. I've not been able to find anyone who gives me any confidence - The chaps at Sea Sea Marine said "Bring it in, we'll tear it down and give you a quote. If you don't accept the quote you get your motor back in a box". Offered a 3 month warranty on the work.
I've seen rebuild kits online for about a grand - but I don't have the skills/tools/time/confidence to go that route.
Can anyone point me in the direction that can sort out my motor rebuild the cheapest way possible ? I'm based in Sydney but if a drive out to central coast/newcastle/windsor/wollongong is what it takes to get a good result at a good price, I'm happy to do it.
Mike