What filter?

[Gary H NC]

Anyone tell me offhand what oil filter for a 89 Merc 4.3?

Fram or Purolator number or cross reference...

Thanks...

 

[Don S]

Re: What filter?

Fram PH3980

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

Thankyou Mr.Don!

 

[Bondo]

Re: What filter?

Ayuh,... If it's the block mounted oil filter,... Napa's # is 1036

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

Thanks Bond-o....

Started doing side jobs of mobile boat service. Oil changes,tune ups and De-winterization.

Put the ad up yesterday and have 3 jobs lined up already.
Put some of my skills to good use...

Need to stock the truck with several filters and parts.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What filter?

Ayuh,... Sounds like a Good way to get over the Hump,...

Good Luck with it....

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

Thanks Bond-o,
The job searching has not been any good.I'm tired of filling out applications and never getting a call. Time do be self employed...
I hope this takes off and i get enough work to make it.
I already have most of the tools i need and a truck. Not going to get into any major jobs just basic service and some light mechanical and electrical..

My rates are 75 bucks for the first hour and 50 each additional hour.
I think that is very fair being i go to them.

 

[Don S]

Re: What filter?

Way too overpriced.
Customers expect everything to take 1 hour or less, and you should not charge more than $10 an hour, and you must guarantee everything you do to last for the next 10 years. You wil also be the last one to touch the boat, so if you change the oil in the engine, and the drive coupler fails, it will be your fault. You will also need to know what the price of each part is, and exactly how long it will take to replace it. It also doesn't matter what you do, it will take a minimum of 2 trips to the boat to finish the job. Usually 3 or 4.
A complete discription by the customer about the job over the phone will never turn out to be what the customer tells you. NEVER.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

You really think its over priced?
I know what you are saying about the other points Don..
Before i start any work it will be fully discussed with the person as to how long it will take and the possibility of running into problems that may lengthen the time of work.
Scaring me off from this idea Don!

 

[Don S]

Re: What filter?

You really think its over priced?

No. I don't think so. The customers will.

Scaring me off from this idea Don!

Absolutely not. Just giving you a heads up on what to expect, sort of a "Been there done that" message. Best of luck to ya, and you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be people here to help you when (not if) you run into a snag along the way We'll all help you out as much as possible.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: What filter?

I'm pretty sure that Don was being sarcastic...!

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: What filter?

Sarcasm is a form of irony that is bitter or cutting, being intended to taunt its target. [1] It is first recorded in English in The Shepheardes Calender in 1579.
Did I get that right?

 

[lowkee]

Re: What filter?

I think it's safe to assume it won't be as easy as having them come to you, since the boat is always in their possession, not yours. If you are 90% completed in a job and have to run to get a part, you are at their mercy whether you get paid or not when you get back there.

I had a builder botch a screen porch and kicked him off the property at the 90% mark (it began caving in), but even if it was fine, the only recourse he would have is court. Maybe I'm being a pessimist, but something to think about if you ever leave a $200 part in a boat while going to get a different part. I'm not sure how you might handle prepayment to avoid the risk.

Maybe not a bad idea to have them come to you. Then you have their boat, but they may never come pick it up, either.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

Thanks Don,I respect your input and appreciate the heads up.

Its nice to know the help is here if needed...

If i run into a situation thats needs an expensive part the customer will pay that up front or supply the part.
That way if i get stiffed on payment its mostly labor i will be out.

I'm sure i will get a rubber check on a job or two.

The job i have scheduled tomorrow the guy has his own oil,filters,spark plugs,ect..He also bought the lube for the lower unit.I'm going to try and keep most jobs like that.

I have 2 other guys lined up with outboards that just want the gear oil changed and a pressure and vacuum test done if there is any sign of water intrusion.
I think my price is in line being i come to them....will just have to see how it goes....

 

[Don S]

Re: What filter?

Best of luck Gary.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What filter?

Best of luck Gary.

Thanks Don! A guy needs to make a living in these hard times..