Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

[ClassicComics]

I recently purchased a 2002 25' SunTracker Regency Pontoon with a Mercruiser 3.0 i/o and Alpha one outdrive. I have worked on plenty of cars but not on boats and since I don't really have any service records on this boat (had it looked at by a mercruiser repair shop before purchase), I was going to go ahead and have the shop that checked it out for me do a full service on it. I didn't write down everything they said they would do, but it basically included tune up, timing, replace all gaskets and seals, oil change, replace the other fluids, replace impellar, grease u-joints, tighten bolts etc... etc... They have a "package" price for what they call a 200hr service that includes all this for $1100. I just wanted to get a feel on the price. Does this sound right? Expensive?

Sounds a little high for me, since I think in terms of cars.... but if this is the going rate I don't mind paying to have someone really go through the whole thing once and then I can keep up with regular maintaince from then on. Thoughts? Opinions?

THANKS!!

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

sounds ok for the work they are doing. They need to take the drive off to do that. they will check alignment also.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

Seems high to me, unless there are alot of things you left off the list. What gaskets and seals does this include? if its just outdrive all that comes with the new waterpump kit. So you probably have 2-3 hundred in parts and the rest labor, I don't mind paying going rates either but this seems a bit high to me. I can have my drive off myself in about 30 minutes and I'm no pro mechanic. Get everything they do written down as that may be the difference in what your getting for the money and weather its worth it or not.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

IMO, that would depend on where you live....
Will this boat be laid up for winter or is it year round use?....
If it is going to be laid up for winter, I would winterize it & do the maintenance & tune up in spring after I read the service manual all winter....
If you want to go out & go now, spend the bux.....
Without a comprehensive list of what they are actually doing & what parts will be replaced, hard to say if the figure is too high.....
$600 for labor would be generous for what you are listing, IMO...
Welcome to iboats, btw.......

 

[ClassicComics]

Re: Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

Thanks for all the replies! I am in Georgia and plan on using the boat to some degree or other throughout the year. It is currently moored at my dock and I do not have a trailer to pull it out (they will pull it out of water at marina/shop for service)..... but I am thinking about just buying a trailer and doing the service myself... but I haven't decided for sure as there is a peace of mind thing having a certified merc mechanic go through it one time.... anyway, I asked them to email me a list of what the service included.... here is what he sent:

B Service- 200 Hour Intervals/Every Two Years:

Record engine hours

=== Run engine to bring oil to operating temperature

Remove engine oil

Remove oil filter (s)

Visually inspect hoses/clamps/belts Install new oil filter (s)

Refill crankcase with oil

Run engine

Check for proper oil level Clean bilge

Spray with corrosion inhibitor Remove outdrive (s)

Inspect engine alignment

Replace gasket kit (s) and install drive (s)

___ Inspect and lubricate Ujoints and splines

___ Inspect bellows and clamps

Change drive unit oil

=== Retorque connection of gimbal ring to steering shaft

___ Inspect/Lubricate gimbal bearing

___ Replace fuel filter (s)

___ Check steering system and remote control for loose, missing or damaged parts

Lubricate cables and linkages Lubricate gimbal bearing and engine coupler

Check continuity circuit for loose or damaged connections

Test MerCathode unit output on Bravo models

Retorque engine mounts Check spark plug wires Replace spark plugs

___ Replace distributor cap (s) and rotor (s)

Replace PCV valve (s) Clean flame arrestor

Check electrical system for loose, damaged or corroded fasteners

Inspect condition and tension of belts

Check cooling system and exhaust system hose clamps for tightness

___ Inspect both systems for damage or leaks

Replace seawater pump impeller (s) and inspect housing

Clean seawater section of closed cooling system

Clean, inspect and test pressure cap

Courtesy Check SD:

Check battery (s)

Inspect battery cables

Verify gauge operation

Inspect bilge pump operation Inspect bilge blower operation Verify nav. light operation

Verify horn operation

Verify VHF radio operation Verify proper fluid levels Inspect drain plug in/out of boat Inspect skeg/prop condition Inspect bellows

Inspect engine for fuel, oil and water leaks

Check/Clean sea strainer (if applicable)

Check steering operation

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Service Cost? Mercrusier 3.0

Just my thought but for that price they should replace the bellows too while they have it apart.
The boat is over 8 years old so unless they have been replaced before they are long overdue.