boat in for starting issues, what questions to ask?

[twierz]

Took my boat and motor in to be looked at. Having intermittment starting problems...mainly when warm. Motor cranks, but wont start.<br /><br />What questions should I make sure to ask the mechanic? Afraid they wont be able to have the problem when they look at it. I dont want to get it back and have them say everything looks ok. What should I ask and make sure they check???<br /><br />1) Starter brushes?<br />2) Spark Plugs?<br />3) Compression in cylinders<br /><br />what else???

 

[DJ]

Re: boat in for starting issues, what questions to ask?

Tom,<br /><br />You need to describe what happens. Such as:<br /><br />1. Cranks over fine, but won't fire.<br /><br />2. Won't crank over or cranks slow.<br /><br />3. When it starts it.....<br /><br />Don't tell them waht you think it is, tell them what it does or does not do. Leave the diagnosis to them. That's what you're paying for.

 

[KenOhki]

Re: boat in for starting issues, what questions to ask?

I agree, Tell mechanic all the facts, Everything you have noticed it does, as well as anything you have done to try to cure it. <br /><br />Warning<br /><br />Never EVER just give it to a mechanic and tell them to fix it. That gives them the liberty to replace pretty much anything they feel they can get away with. Some wrenches are honest, some arent. GIve them permision to specificaly fix the problem, and contact you before making any other replacements or repairs. Getting a estimate before hand and settng a price cap is also a very wize thing to do.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[twierz]

Re: boat in for starting issues, what questions to ask?

I did tell them my situation. Im more worried that they will run some mini diagnostics and the motor will run fine for them. If they do their 20 minutes of diagnostics and it starts 4 or 5 times for them. Im worried they wont troubleshoot further with these places being backed up so much.<br /><br />With my intermittent starting problems I would like to get a list of questions ready in case they say they couldnt find anything. I want to be sure everything is checked out so Im not stranded again. Thanks

 

[KenOhki]

Re: boat in for starting issues, what questions to ask?

well, personaly, that sounds like a timeing issue to me. If you told them this only happens when it is hot I am sure they will warm it before testing for problems. They probably know whats wrong just by your discription if they are a good wrench.<br /><br />Sounds to me like you dont trust your mechanic to do his Job. Well, personaly, Neither do I unless I know them or someone I know and trust has vouched for them. I am fairly certain they will find and fix your problem. After all, they do have to try to stay in bussness now dont they?<br /><br />Good Luck.