Need a great Merc mechanic in Raleigh

[Mcdiver]

Been having some problems with my Merc since the braek down last year.  Time to take to a mechanic to have it done.  But, I do not want someone that is going to rip me off and replace parts that are un necessary, etc.  Any help would be great.

[Georgie]

Mike,

Can you provide your model number and describe the problems as best as possible so that we can at least help narrow it down in case you don't get any recommendations?  That way you'll be better prepared to call "bullchit!"  Got quite a few experienced merc owners here.  Perhaps it's even something you can do yourself?

[Mcdiver]

Last year I was out fishing, the motor just died while on plane.  Got towed back and replaced the switch boxes.  Motor started just fine.  Fogged the motor and put the boat up for the winter.  This spring, i was getting the girl ready for a fishing trip, tried to start the motor, and it acted as tho it was locked up.  I removed the plugs and sprayed wd40 in the cylinders.  5 minutes later the motor spun slowly then at normal speed and with some starting fluid, she cranked up.  Took the boat on vacation and while in the water, I could drop the throttle and the boat would bog down and go no where.  When I backed off the throttle and got into it little at a time, I could plane the boat.  Although at top speed we were 10 mph less than last year.  I got home and removed the flywheel, the magnets fell out and the stator was worn out (assumed this was what had motor locked up.)  Since I was in the motor this far, I replaced the trigger, stator, flywheel, coils, and voltage regulators.  I attempted to start the motor, but she is not interested in my plan.  even a couple squirts of starter fluid could not give her incentive to start.

[Mcdiver]

Interesting change of events.  After reading some other posts, I realized that I had the battery selector on battery 2, not both.  I went back out and switched the battery selector to both and it started on the second key turn.  Seems to run a little rough though.

[Rhojo]

I'm local to Raleigh, I can ask a couple of friends if you still need a reference?

[Mcdiver]

When I get back to raleigh this afternoon I will be checking the compression.  But yeah, still looking for recommendations for good mechanics.

[Mcdiver]

Well, finally did the compression check on the ol girl today.  Found 2 dead cylinders. One with 20 psi and other with 30 psi.  Dropped a bore scope and found traces of water inside cylinder.   Bad news.  Dropped boat at boats unlimited for replacement merc powerhead.  Will know for sure in next few days, but the general prognosis is that powerhead is done.

[Capt Matt]

Factory power head or rebuilt?
Capt Matt

[Mcdiver]

Looking at both options.  There is good merc guy here and he has offered to rebuild the current engine with a 2 year warranty.

[Mcdiver]

Picked the ole girl up last night.  After a roller coaster ride, we settled on a factory new power head.  So far she runs great, I'm going to take her to kake jordan today for some break in time before I go fishing this weekend in morehead.
With all of the overpriced and rip off artists working on boats out there, I found a great mechanic that says what he is going to do then does it at a more than fair price.  If anyone needs a wrench for their boat in nc, pm me.