DIY Maintenance

[FlatsNBay]

How many of y'all do your preventative maintenance yourself such as the 100 hour service? Is it easy to do?

I'm always looking for ways to save money and as a bonus, don't want my boat sitting in the shop for a few weeks.

Any downside for doing it yourself?

Sent from my moto e5 play using Tapatalk

[Princeton_Man]

I used to do all of my own maintenance up until I repowered with a new Etec back in 2015. That was also when I found the first shop and mechanics that I truly have ever 100% trusted. Owned and run by a Christian family for something like six or seven decades and they've been Evinrude/Johnson since day one. Since it's a rather long haul, they've always scheduled my visits so that I'm in and out the same day without having to drop off.
My mechanic always does a pressure and vacuum test on my lower unit (something I never did and don't have the tools for), he also puts the motor on a dynamometer and computer anytime he services it. He tests each injector and looks at a dozen other things that I wouldn't understand, even though I have the computer, software, and cable. 


Before my Etec, I did most of the service on the outboards I've owned and that was before YouTube became so popular. Today, it's possible for just about anyone to become a certified YouTube mechanic. Plugs, oil changes, and lower unit service is easy if you have the tools.

[FD]

Fortunately I have Dave...

But as Jim said, YouTube can teach you to do just about anything.  Capt. Lou has started doing his own maintenance so I'm sure you can figure it out...

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

[Capt. BassinLou]

Fortunately I have Dave...

But as Jim said, YouTube can teach you to do just about anything.  Capt. Lou has started doing his own maintenance so I'm sure you can figure it out...

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

haha,, haha,,,

[Oldfart9999]

With just a modicum of tools you can do a fair amount as FD said, youtube can be a good friend. If Lou can do it than anybody can.
Rodney

[Capt. BassinLou]

With just a modicum of tools you can do a fair amount as FD said, youtube can be a good friend. If Lou can do it than anybody can.
Rodney

[Capt. BassinLou]

Funny guys,,,, but all true. 

[apenland01]

I replaced the leaking oil pump on my 2004 Optimax 225, but it isn't a "heavy" job.  I don't do impellers to save my back.  Thing on the block, I'm fine with doing to a point.  Fuel filters, rebuild pulse fuel pump, spark plugs, clean compressor strainer, etc....

[Bud Kennedy]

I do most all of my own maintenance on my old 1991 Fast Strike 150.  Just go tired of paying $100+ per hour of shop rate and then having to wait weeks to get the service I wanted.  At least with this old motor it is very simple and straight forward and most repairs can be accomplished with basic tools.  The other side of the coin is that it is a lot of fun and very satisfying to do.  There are a few things I won't do as someone mentioned earlier like replace the impeller.  Not that it is difficult it is just a bit too much weight for my old body to handle alone.  I also have not messed with the carbs but I think that time may be coming in the future.  With all the work I have done the cost savings on the labor side has been very significant.