Winterizing Blues

[toddmaiorano]

OK, newbie to winterizing. I just got a local quote for $700 to change oil and water pump, sounds way too high. My question is when do I need to change it? I always check it and the water comes out fine and is cool to touch. I have a 98 90 HP Merc outboard. How hard is it to swap out myself and is this documented anywhere? Any help is appreciated. I am so tired of paying a ton of money to the boat shop and would love to learn how to do all winterization myself.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[newuserguy]

Re: Winterizing Blues

Sounds to me as if your quote is either a ripoff or their are additional problems. The cost for a new water pump impeller and lower unit service (oil change) shouldn't even be $200. With your description, you probably only need a new impeller not a new water pump. Check out parts cost at iboats or boatfix.com and then a labor charge of no more than two hours or so. Next, buy a manual for less than $30.00 or go online at ebay and buy a factory service manual specific to your motor, probable cost, $30. or less. You can also buy an owners manual on ebay. All of the manuals give great info on winterizing and step by step instructions on an impeller change. Basic winterizing: let all water drain , fuel stabilizer(seafoam, valvoline, etc.) mixed in with your fuel/oil mixture then start and let run for 5 min., while running spray a little fogging oil in the carb intake(s) then shut off. Pull plugs and spray fogging oil in cylinders. Crank with starter (don't start) real quick to lubricate rings and cyl walls, coat plug threads (lightly) with anti-sieze (or real light with red grease-Autozone, et. al.) and thread in until hand tight. You'll be fine until next year.

 

[newuserguy]

Re: Winterizing Blues

Also, use this forumn for additional questions. The guys here are fantastic and there is a great deal of info on changing a water pump impeller.

 

[gss036]

Re: Winterizing Blues

The link below is a very detailed picture show for a V-6, but I think it would be basically the same for a 90hp Merc. Lots of pictures so it takes a while to load.
$700 is a real rip off as stated above. If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, shop around.
Buy yourself a quart bottle of lower end lube and a pump attachment and a couple of gaskets and do you own lube chage. Pull both drain and vent screws and let it drain, screw in the pump and fill until it runs out the top, put on new washer/gasket, tighten it up, remove the pump and quickly install the lower screw and gasket, you will loose a little lube but that is ok as that makes room for expansion.

http://www.in-depthangling.com/foru...91911/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/93/fpart/1

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Winterizing Blues

rip off, find another service center for future use. that's high even for an i/o and wrapped.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Winterizing Blues

Water pump kits retail for ~$60, figure 1-1.5 hours of labor @ $90/hr. Now you are at $150-195. And then gear lube, materials plus labor should be no more than $30-40.

So yes $700 is bit steep, to say the least.

Are you sure the mechanic isn't performing other tasks. A winterization usually also includes (but excludes waterpump):
-fogging
-decarbing
-grease all fitings
-stabilize fuel and run the stabilized fuel through engine
-new plugs.

Even these addition my not justify the cost. Get a second quote. But remember everybody's got to eat