Vintage Motor Repair in Colorado?

[Colorado4Wheeler]

I've been looking around for a good place to take my motor for just a basic tune up but everyone I call says they don't work on the older stuff. From what I've been able to gather they have two people they have recommended - one of them is reported to have a year backlog and that's a bust and the other has absolutely terrible reviews on Google and Yelp.

I need to find someone who can either do the work or be willing to work with me to teach me. I'm not a stranger to motors, but boat motors aren't something I've spent a lot of time working on (except replacing my impeller recently and that took quite a while to figure out!).

Any suggestions?

 

[jakedaawg]

I wouldn't necessarily worry about yelp reviews with a boat mechanic. I have never read a positive internet review, I basically think they are just a bunch of Crybaby kids with smartphones and too much time.

 

[Colorado4Wheeler]

jakedaawg I tend to agree in general, and that's why I cross reference several places to see if everyone is on the same page. In this case they are, a handful of folks reported taking a working motor in and getting a non working motor back. Where there's smoke...

 

[flyingscott]

Here is the problem with old motors. A mechanics time in money can EASILY eclipse the motors Value. I wonder how many of those yelp reviews were from finding out much their motors cost to fix. I also wonder how many of those people told him to stop where he was and give them back their motors. What motor do you have? if it is a major manufacturer purchase a service manual and do it yourself.

 

[Crosbyman]

If you are able, why not do it yourself...fun hobby

the Book Cheap Outboards is pretty instructive if you are working oldies J&E from the mid 50's using magneto ignition

https://www.amazon.com/Cheap-Outboards-Beginners-Making-Forever/dp/1891369628

you need mostly impeller carb cleaner probably new coils if cracked points condensors and a carb kit but expect to spend 100-150$

you can save a bit on low cost coils. Some like them some don't

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Ignition-Co...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[merkdawg0084]

you never said what type or size of motor you have? this is a great forum to get help. also if you have model number, look up your model and parts schematic. then you'll be more knowledgable when you ask questions..

 

[jbcurt00]

Iboats offers parts diagrams for most outboard motors

 

[Colorado4Wheeler]

flyingscott Yea, that's the problem with having anything old serviced - including people! But then again, a new motor to replace this runs $3K or more, might as well run this puppy until it dies forever or sinks to the bottom of the lake .

@Crosbyman Thank you, I'll check those out!

@merkdawg0084 It's a 69 Evinrude Sportster 25 25903B. I didn't specify it because I was just looking for something in general. I do always specify the make and model when using the forums for specific questions.

@jbcurt00 And I've used them too! I appreciate Iboats quite a bit.

I'm working on my knowledge of working on motors and hope I'll find some fun in doing it, but without someone to kind of get me pointed in the right direction I hate risking destroying my motor in the meantime as I tinker. I'm sure that I couldn't have a better motor to start playing with, these old things are so much easier to work on than newer motors, but I hate to be one of those people who "saw it on YouTube and now I'm an expert" . I saw how to change my impeller on YouTube, helped immensely, but it didn't say anything about that water pump tube and how much of a pain it was to get put back in - until after hours of trying to match it up I realized the tube goes in the lower FIRST rather than trying to line it up with the linkage and drive shaft . Little stuff like that.

 

[merkdawg0084]

only way to learn is through trial and error. that's the fun part... you'll get better each time.

 

[Colorado4Wheeler]

only way to learn is through trial and error. that's the fun part... you'll get better each time.

Well, this trying to find a mechanic is part of that experience, it's more to double check my work to make sure I didn't screw it up. I just feel like it's a little warmer than it should be and I don't see water spitting out when I run it as I would expect (I don't remember if it did before but YouTube videos show this same motor spitting out water). Better safe than on-the-water-sorry.