Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

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Hello,

I just recently purchased an older bass boat, which needs some repairs to the outboard to get it functioning properly. I know for a fact, the boat has not been run for at least five years and sat out in a open field with no covering. I had the compression tested and they are all at 130. There are many boat repair shop in this area, but I have been burned by a couple of shops in the past :blue: on the last ski boat I used to have. So far, I have not had any luck finding a mechanic that doesn't just put a bandage on the problem or is actually proactive. I have had several boats in the past ten years, but still have not been able to feel comfortable when I drop the boat off. I usually think in my mind, "hopefully they can fix this issue". I have tried to do some small repairs, but don't feel 100% comfortable trying to do the work myself, since I don't have much time to dedicate to finding and fixing problems as they arise. I basically want to drop the boat off in the DFW area and have them go through the outboard with a fine tooth comb and resolve any problems, the goal would be to make the engine run like new. Any advise would be greatly appreciated

 

[boobie]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Where's the DFW area ??

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Dallas/Fort Worth Texas.

 

[boobie]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Oh, okay thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Most @iboats do their own repairs, motors too, many for the same reasons you feel uncertain about others attention to detail & etc.

Many shops won't work on 15-20yr old motors, yours is nearly 45yrs old, because the value of the motor (even running great) is too low that if you flake & bail on paying for parts & labor, they can't get their costs back.

Adding to that, finding a shop that has someone who's old enough to have ever worked on a 1975 motor (experience reduces troubleshooting time, reducing the labor charge) can be tough.

I called a well known shop almost 2hrs from here & offered to pay up front for them to give an older OB a good once over & tune up, they declined. Since then I've ordered a factory service manual for it and found 1957 OB parts still readily available. I'll be doing most of my own OB work.....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Welcome to iboats

You are going to have a hard time finding a shop that will work on that motor. I would say that your best luck is going to be with an independent mechanic.

Most shops and mechanics do not work on older motors because of the age.

Good luck

 

[><>]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Thanks everyone for the info. A service manual would be a good idea. If anyone has some ideas on how to get more familiar with working on outboards for someone who is just getting started please let me know. I really don't want to get into a project, seemingly small and end up not knowing how to get everything back together.

Thanks again in advance.

 

[><>]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

What would be the first things I need to check in checking overall functionality of a outboard motor I know nothing about?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

I'd suggest reading Max's old outboard write up here

Here's another from Max

Max's books are helpful too.

And investing in a small OB to tinker w/ & learn your way around a vintage 2-stroke OB. I am just beginning to tinker w/ several of mine. Johnson/Evinrude maintenance parts are often available at Napa, in stock or available in a couple days after you order them.

Finding & servicing a 5-15hp motor should be fairly easy & give you the confidence to service a larger motor. Or convince you that you'd prefer to USE a boat instead of working on one.

A late model, new or fairly new OB would be expensive up front, may come w/ a warranty, and a marine service center will work on it.

Iboats sells both manuals & maintenance stuff but the older the OB the fewer parts available here. MANY are quickly found online though.

This site, the engine forum, are a HUGE resource, but use evil-bay or google to track down a decent price on a service manual. If possible avoid the multi-model/year BOOKS & the Seloc manuals. Not as accurate or helpful as a year/model specific manual.

You can preview the multi-model/year condensed manual here:

EBSCOhost: Scegli databaseUsername: marshall
Password: public

after logon:

Select small engine repair

Select Marine/Boat motor

Scroll down & select manufacturer

Specific for your year & motor would be better, but in a pinch the combined is better then nothing

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

What would be the first things I need to check in checking overall functionality of a outboard motor I know nothing about?

Water circulation, lower unit lubrication & Compression, not necessarily in that order. W/out compression motor won't run, w/out water & lubrication it might run, just not for long.....

You'll need a large barrel of water or 'muffs':

A car parts place often loans compression check gauge set/tools for a small fee (refunded when you return it). I order an inexpensive setup from Harbor Fright (mis-spelling deliberate :watermelon

 

[82rude]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

I totally disagree on the, don't get a seloc manual bias, around here.for a person just starting out they can be much more user friendly than a factory service manual.i believe they take into account that the person is not a pro and make it easier to understand certain things.are they perfect?no. but ive yet to run across any job i haven't be able to accomplish without one.guess we will just have to agee to disagree on this one as im sure the factory manual supporters are about to attack,lol.:laugh:

 

[Roberthill]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

To have a 1975 motor you will have to be your own mechanic ,at first its like being your own Doctor but if you want to learn roll up your shirt sleeves and go . You can get all kind of help on here .They will tell you the truth and some will tell you more than the truth .

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

....for a person just starting out they can be much more user friendly than a factory service manual.i believe they take into account that the person is not a pro and make it easier to understand certain things.are they perfect?no. but ive yet to run across any job i haven't be able to accomplish without one.guess we will just have to agee to disagree on this one as im sure the factory manual supporters are about to attack,lol.:laugh:

I find that having a broad spectrum of models & years muddies the water, so to speak. I'd rather wade thru a bit of technical jargon & trying to find out what Merc Specialty Tool #t-138766 (specified tool to remove pot metal gizmo J-12 from a 1971 650 Merc powerhead).

But to each his own, you'll not get beat up by me because you prefer the Seloc/Clymer's.... I did specify that those multi-model/year books were better then none.

 

[82rude]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

I can go either way on manuals as I have several factory ones, I just found that a lot of newbies were more comfortable with seloc as it actually explains a lot of stuff at the beginning that the factory one just assumes you know.by the way that tool is on back order,lol.

 

[><>]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Thanks for all the tips gentlemen. When I hook up the muffs to the intake on the lower unit I do not see a telltale. If there is no telltale, then how do I know for sure water is circulating properly?? Thanks again.

 

[><>]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Also, what is the best type of lubricant to use on all the small parts on the motor. Silicone spray? Let me know your thoughts.

 

[><>]

Re: Reputable Outboard Mechanic for 1975 135HP Evinrude in DFW area

Which gasket/seals do I need for my lower unit when I change the oil?
Thanks