Re: Blackbird Industries Rebuilt Engines
I bought my '93 Evinrude 40hp from Balckbird. They also were able to supply a set of used controls and VRO tank and used prop to complete my needs. The motor ran like newl and performed well. The only part that was obviously from another year was the flywheel because it has the year of manufacture cast into it. But visually, it is the correct part.
They shipped the complete outboard, controls, tank and used prop in a metal outboard shipping crate. I picked it up at the local FED EX depot.
The motor was in outstanding condition when I received it. The lower unit was rebuilt, new seals, etc, pressure tested and painted. The lower unit looked like new, not bent, no knicks, no signs of corrosion.
About two years out of warrenty, I overheated the motor by idling through some mucky water, clogged the intake and the hot alarm went off.
After it cooled it was fine. I was told to change the head gasket, but I didn't.
The next season, the head gasket started to leak water and it scored a cylinder badly. I called Blackbird and talked to Mike (senior) who said to ship the entire power head back to them for evaluation. They never said what the cause of the water in the cylinder was, but my guess is the leaking head gasket because one head bolt was rusted where it passed through, and head gasket failure is common after overheating.
The motor was out of warranty, but Mike rebuilt the powerhead tested and shipped it back only for the cost of parts and shipping.
Bottom line is they repaired an outboard they sold me outside of warranty for just parts and shipping. Can't complain.
Overall, I am a satisfied customer and will buy from them again the next time I need an outboard motor.
BTW, after doing the breakin proceedure and running the motor hard all last season, it still starts and runs like it should.