Motor Problems

[MikeNash]

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

[mike82]

Talk to the site sponsors Huett Marine. Contact details HERE.

Let them diagnose it first before spending big dollars.

[MikeNash]

Talk to the site sponsors Huett Marine. Contact details HERE.

Let them diagnose it first before spending big dollars.

Thanks I've sent a message to them just now.

[andrew399]

the advice from aquaman is the best you are gonna get, huetts really is that good. I take mine there all the way from manly after having too many dodgy mechanics work on my boat. The rebuild yourself option could be a good way to go. There are so many detailed instructions and videos around and even after you buy the tools your going to be well in front! Time will be your biggest issue im guessing

[Guest Aussie007]

i say rebuild it it will only take a weekend to pull it apart and the following weekend to put it back together workshop manuals can be bought online from the web site u mentioned for $10 and it shows u everything walks u thru even the very basic things first i would remove the heads and check out the cylinder walls if the offending cylinder wall is scratched and torn up it might be a costly repair needing at worse a new block if u cannot replace the cylinder sleve but since the engine still runs i reckon you have caught it in time the only tools u need are the basic socket set, screw drivers,a couple different size torque wrenches,ring spanner set,pliers,impact driver $300 worth of tools a $10 workshop manual and your away ahh yes and a trusty hammer for persuasion outboard engines are pretty easy to work on especially 2 strokes take it in steps as in the workshop manual and u cant go wrong i just looked up your engine on the web site u mentioned and for US customers only u can buy a top end rebuild kit for $444 plus delivery u can use one of those US based internet site 3rd party thing to order thru its half the price u were looking at paying than u just need big and little end bearings plus crankshft bearings and u have a new engine that will last another 15 years

[MikeNash]

i say rebuild it it will only take a weekend to pull it apart and the following weekend to put it back together workshop manuals can be bought online from the web site u mentioned for $10 and it shows u everything walks u thru even the very basic things first i would remove the heads and check out the cylinder walls if the offending cylinder wall is scratched and torn up it might be a costly repair needing at worse a new block if u cannot replace the cylinder sleve but since the engine still runs i reckon you have caught it in time the only tools u need are the basic socket set, screw drivers,a couple different size torque wrenches,ring spanner set,pliers,impact driver $300 worth of tools a $10 workshop manual and your away ahh yes and a trusty hammer for persuasion outboard engines are pretty easy to work on especially 2 strokes take it in steps as in the workshop manual and u cant go wrong i just looked up your engine on the web site u mentioned and for US customers only u can buy a top end rebuild kit for $444 plus delivery u can use one of those US based internet site 3rd party thing to order thru its half the price u were looking at paying than u just need big and little end bearings plus crankshft bearings and u have a new engine that will last another 15 years

Thanks Guys,

Rebuilding it sounds fine in principle - I think I need to find someone to do it though as I lack the time, skill and tools. Does anyone know of any good secondhand/reconditioned engine dealers out there?

[MikeNash]

Just as a followup - I called today and spoke with Roger who sounds like a splendid chap.

He's given me a few diagostic tests to run to see how deep in the old poo I am... but he sounds like exactly the sort of person I want looking after my boat. Thanks a lot for the referral.