tune-up

dcwjd

Active Member
Oct 17, 2006
258
Lindenhurst, NY
Boat Info
2007 48 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins QSC 540
I have a 2005 280 sundancer with 30hrs on the 4.3l v6 engines. I just received the spring recommissioning flier from marine max and they said i need to add to the sheet and put tune up x 2 "A" service only for the 2 engines(no spark plug changes). Do I need this to be done? I added change the zincs as necessary but this tune up is something i'm not sure i need. Also is marinemax generally more money then other marinas in the area to do the work. I'm here on Long Island in Lindenhurst and it seems this off season is costing me much more then anticipated.
 
David, I have an '04 280 with the 5.0s and have not yet changed the plugs with about 60 hours on the boat. I'm not planning to do it this preseason either but will pull them at the end of the season and inspect and prolly change too. Marinemax dealers are generally very good. They are publically traded co and can't afford to play games with customers all that often. If anything, they are usually so darn busy that I feel they short me a bit on some of the things I've asked them to look at.
If I were you, I would ask what they would do as far as the non-spark-plug tune up first, then tell them you'll wait a bit as the engine service manual doesn't specify that service yet (which you should confirm beforehand). With so few hours, you'll have little to worry about, but I did lose my gimbal bearing with 50 hours (covered by warranty thankfully)! Search this site for other good info on service required and I would DEFINATELY recommend spending < $100 on service manuals so you know what is scheduled/required on your $20,000 worth of engines/drives!
 
dcwjd:
welcome to the world of "the hole in the water into which you pour money." off seasons usually cost more than in-season stuff (except for gasoline!) but it goes far to prevent the in-season problems.

not sure if you're handy or have the time, but simple things like swapping out spark plugs and changing zincs are a HUGE money maker for mechanics b/c they take no time and they can bang you for the part as well as the labor. this website is a GREAT source for information and help since whatever you are trying to do, others have done 1000 times, and everyone here is more than willing to lend a hand (or at least some words). many a boater will tell you that if it werent for their DIY abilities, they would be priced out of this sport/hobby.

save some of that precious money for gas and take on a few simple tasks yourself. it's pretty gratifying, enlightening and feels great to "stick it to the man!" :smt038
 
edited by admin, please keep your discussion positive, there are plenty of sites where CSR users can research the reputations of service companies.
 
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I am a bit confused.. . you boat is on long island;

Aren't the engines going to be fogged as part of the winterization procedure? My engines are carbed and fogging is a standard thing to do. Not sure if fogging is needed for winterization of fuel injected engines. . . .but I would bet 2 nickles that they are.

If the engines are fogged. . .then the plugs will be trashed and need to be changed.

BUT. . it sounds like a plug change is NOT part of the service. Hmmm. . what else is there as part of a tune up? I assume you will be billed seperately and excessively for an oil change.

As for costs . . . well. . .my local dealer is neither the low cost or high quality supplier in my area either. You are asking for standard services for you boat. You should be able to do a little leg work and find alternatives.
 

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