$300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

[andrewsilver]

From a previous post, last weekend my 1990 Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha One engine started backfiring, losing power, and stalling.<br /><br />Since we're towing the boat 6 hours for a hopefully relaxing Labor Day Weekend, I decided to give in and take it to the marine center to get it properly repaired.<br /><br />Well, they just called with the diagnosis: Said it needs to have the carb rebuilt: $240 labor + parts! I'm a bit shocked.<br /><br />Does it really take 4 hours to rebuild a carb? I thought it just means to remove it from the manifold, then replace the gaskets, screws, screens and jets, and re-install?<br /><br />I've done that on my snowmobile carb in 15 minutes. I'm obviously missing something here - please educate me, thx.

 

[amtsst]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

Thats aweful high. Call these guys and have them overnight one to you for a lot less. You'll be running by Friday night:<br /> http://www.carburetorservice.com/pricelist.html <br /><br />Also try:<br /> http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/CARBURETORSMERCRUISER.htm <br /><br />...and these guys sell the kit for about $50. Order it and rebuild yourself!! <br /><br /> http://www.theshadconnection.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?page=496

 

[andrewsilver]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

Man - wish I had gotten your advice earlier! The carb rebuild guys are located right here in Dallas - I could've just run over and bought a new one for $129 and handed them my old one.<br /><br />But I was too late - the dealer called, it's ready, $346.78... <br /><br />As my father used to say - all knowledge costs money...

 

[andrewsilver]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

One more question. The dealer says they found a little bit of water in the tank.<br /><br />He added 2+4 conditioner, and said that the engine might still act up a little even though I had the carb rebuilt until all the water is out.<br /><br />He said he'd drain the tank for $83, or I could just run the tank down until it is 1/8 full, then add another 2+4 Condition, which should get rid of the water. Is that true?<br /><br />I have a funny feeling that the carb didn't need to be rebuilt - that I just had water in the tank...

 

[cannonfodder]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

Is your butt twitching? Bryce

 

[denniz]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

2=4 is a fuel conditioner, good stuff. I think you need dri-fuel,its a mercruiser product about the same price.

 

[denniz]

Re: $300+ for a Carb Rebuild?

Time wise I can do the carb job on a mercarb in about a hour.$50.00 in parts $175.00 labor to rebuild. There a little high