Preventive maintenance

[James W. Starr]

James W. StarrNew Member
I took my 1987 17' Sea Ray Seville to the shop this morning for servicing and the technician is recommending a complete carburetor overhauL. This has the 4 cylinder 100 HP outboard engine. He maintains that because the boat has not been run since 2016 that there could be some shellac issues and trying to run it could cause more serious problems with the engine. Would anyone like to advise me he quoted me around 5- $600 for just that part of it and also looking at the linkage.

 

[Little Ducky]

If it was me I would spray the carb down with some carb cleaner, take the plugs out and spray some fogging oil or mystery oil in each and turn over by hand w/o the plugs installed.

If that goes well....... crank it up.

2 cycle motor right?

 

[James W. Starr]

It's a 4 cylinder. We did have it running but very rough.

 

[James W. Starr]

If it was me I would spray the carb down with some carb cleaner, take the plugs out and spray some fogging oil or mystery oil in each and turn over by hand w/o the plugs installed.

If that goes well....... crank it up.

2 cycle motor right?

Thanks Little Ducky that's a good suggestion ongoing.

 

[scoflaw]

Quite possible if not stored properly. So it starts and runs like crap ? Do you trust this guy ? So there could be an issue or there is an issue ?

 

[bobeast]

I guess it depends on how it was put away. Ideally, for a motor not to be used for a while, you should disconnect the fuel line and allow the motor to burn up the remaining gas in the system.

If its running rough on fresh gas, the carb cleaner approach may well be all that's needed. On the other hand if you are burning untreated 2016 gas, stop that!

 

[James W. Starr]

Quite possible if not stored properly. So it starts and runs like crap ? Do you trust this guy ? So there could be an issue or there is an issue ?

Yes sir he is a well known outboard mechanic in our area. That's why I told him to go ahead and do the work. It's a new world for me.

 

[James W. Starr]

I guess it depends on how it was put away. Ideally, for a motor not to be used for a while, you should disconnect the fuel line and allow the motor to burn up the remaining gas in the system.

If its running rough on fresh gas, the carb cleaner approach may well be all that's needed. On the other hand if you are burning untreated 2016 gas, stop that!

Bob that was not done. It has been kept in a garage but not drained. The boat was last used two years ago in 2016. We will be sure to drain out the old fuel. The mechanic said the same thing.