115 mariner, shop screwed me?

[dhud64]

I need your comments on the following, (Especially those of you who run a repair shop)!<br />I took my boat to the local repair shop, here’s what I told them- <br />1) The boat runs rough at low idle under a load.<br />2) The steering is stiff and you have to give it a good jerk unless you are at WOT on full plane, then you can ‘one finger it back and forth’. The problem is only noticeable IN THE WATER. I disassembled the grease tube, removed light rust and greased.<br />When I picked the boat up I was pissed because no one ever called with the requested estimate before work. (I let them know it too). The bill was in excess of $500.00 They rebuilt all four carbs w/ new kits, and ‘greased the steering’. They said the idle may need adjusting after it gets into the water. If so, give them a call and they could send someone over. (The lake is only 15 minutes away). On the first outing, which was very short due to time limitations, I couldn’t really tell any difference in anything. I thought I would wait for better test conditions. The second outing, a full day on the lake, confirmed my thoughts, No improvement whatsoever on anything! In fact, I bumped up the idle, as it is a simple adjustment clearly labeled under the hood, and it still runs worse than it did before. The second outing was only one week after ‘repairs’. The shop was closed today, but I need ammo before I go back. The motor is a 1998 115 Mariner on a 1998 Procraft fish and ski.<br />I don’t think any diagnostics were done before rebuilding the carbs, is this normal protocall?<br />P.S. I run 86 octane, this is what is stated in the owners manual.

 

[alcan]

Re: 115 mariner, shop screwed me?

I don't see what the big deal is. They offered to send a tech out to make adustments.Doesn't sound like they are tring to do you in. It costs money to hire anyone to do anything. Call the shop and have the tech come out. Of course after your tantram about the bill, it may be a while before they find the time.

 

[dhud64]

Re: 115 mariner, shop screwed me?

alcan- With all repect, I guess I'm leary of schiesters in todays screwy society. The point was/is, I adjusted the idle which was their ONLY other reccomendation, and it still runs like crap. They did say, after the rebuild, that those motors run on one or two cylinders (?) until a certain rpm, which may be indicated by a rough idle. (If I had known this before I would have thought twice about repairs). My feeling is, they did no diagnostics and based their repairs off of what I told them. If that is the case that is BS. I spent in excess of $500 for a rebuild that wasn't needed. Yes, I had a 'tantram' if you want to call it that, and spoke with the store manager. $500 is a lot of money to me.<br />Maybe you work at the shop I went too!

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 115 mariner, shop screwed me?

If you are not happy with the performance of the engine, take it back to them. If its a reputable place they should take another look for N/C.<br /><br />Keep in mind..that if the engine has adequate spark...and compression...and they believe the internal parts of the engine to be sound, the tech is left with the Carbs to clean or repair.<br /><br />Next time speak directly to the Tech that is working on the problem. Try to be specific with what is happening...or what happend prior to the problem.<br /><br />As for the 2+2 engines...they run fine @ idle.<br /><br />One other thing...when you take an engine in for a diagnosis of the problem...just give symptoms.<br /><br />For instance...if you told the repair shop that its the "Carbs" that are causing the problem, its most likely that the carbs will be dealt with.<br /><br />Not something I do at my shop...but I know that some places do work that way.<br /><br />TMD

 

[dhud64]

Re: 115 mariner, shop screwed me?

Thanks Marine Doctor, I took the boat back today. I explained symptoms as you suggested. I'm anxious to hear what they say this time.