Reasonable price for oil and filter change?

[bassadict69]

What is a reasonable price for parts and labor on a oil and filter change for a 4.3 Mercruiser?

I picked my boat up yesterday and was charged $149.99 for parts plus 2 hours labor ($170)...the labor included an impeller change on the water pump. Parts for the water pump was $45.00.

I can handle the labor charge, but $149 for oil and filter? Even the $45 for the water pump impeller sounds high to me.

Total on my bill was $364.99, plus tax

Is this reasonable?

 

[Newman]

I just paid $32 for a complete impeller kit for a alpha one. Mine is a gen I so I think it's more than a gen II due to the plastic housing. I have not priced my oil and filter yet. I was assuming $30 for that. $145 does sound high but if it's full synthetic it might not be that far off. On the bright side you are ready to go.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Can you post the entire parts breakdown with price - hard to say without the whole picture. Was the lower unit fluid changed? Fuel/Water separator? Just the impeller or the kit? Etc, etc?

 

[Nehalennia]

Impeller $45 as you said, Filter could have been $20-25, Merc oil $65. So yeah I'd say that's about right for the dealer/service yard to do it.

 

[Chris Nowell]

Out here in the west that sounds reasonable. Impellers in Alpha legs require time and experience to do. Our Mercruiser shop labor rates are $125.00/hr in season and $98.00/hr off season. Also, oil changes are usually accompanied by fuel filters, water separator, and oil filter changes along with lubricating all the grease fittings and checking the whole thing over. Sure, they're looking for more work but that's a two way street too. If they find something that needs attention it's in the owners' best interests to address these things before they turn into catastrophes. Sorry if I sound a bit cynical here folks but in our shop we do very thorough work. If someone doesn't like paying us to do it they are more than welcome to buy the parts and do it themselves. We do get work from do it yourselfers bringing in major repairs caused by minor issues being overlooked over time, so be careful and be thorough. A good Mercruiser manual is your friend if you are going to service your own equipment. IMHO the marine shop rates are reasonable prices to pay for the work done AND the peace of mind knowing that it's been done properly. Enjoy a safe and carefree boating season.

 

[dwna1a]

I just did both of my engines. 3gal of Rottela 30w 65.00, two filters 30.00, it took me about 2 hours start to finish. It's easy to do and worth learning how. Keep in mind that your shop may also charge you for disposal of the old oil and filters

 

[Gofirstclass]

I think a few on here have hit on the secret to getting less expensive oil changes---learn to do it yourself.

When I change my oil in both engines and the genset I'm going through ~15 GALLONS of oil plus the filters and the total doesn't cost me that much. But then, I'm a cheapskate.

 

[arw01]

I just did both of my engines. 3gal of Rottela 30w 65.00, two filters 30.00, it took me about 2 hours start to finish. It's easy to do and worth learning how. Keep in mind that your shop may also charge you for disposal of the old oil and filters

Yeah, and they either burn the oil for "free" heat or they sell the oil they charged you to dispose of!

Alan

 

[dwna1a]

Alen, I sell mine to the shop that works on our tractor for $5 he has always been nice about taking it for heat

 

[SloBurn]

I'm a DIY guy, so my oil change is <$30. Impellor change <$30 also. Fuel Filter <$10. I used to sell used oil at my gas station for 45 cents a gallon, and charged customer $2 disposal fee.

 

[Bob & Sue]

I just changed my oil a couple weeks ago Mercruiser or Quicksilver syn/blend 5 qts $45.85 filter $9.45 = $55.30 plus one hour of my time plus I checked all hoses & clamps, tightened all electrical connectors I could reach, checked batteries, greased coupler & gimbal bearing, pulled prop and greased it, emptied fresh water system flushed with chlorine filled with fresh water. Total time I spent at the marina was about 3 hours.
Any local mechanic wants at least $130.00 + 1/2 hr travel time + parts just to change oil that's at least $275.00 + tax.

 

[GrandMaster]

Here in South Floriday I pay $99 per engine for oil/filter change on my 4.3's. Doesn't include impeller change