Out board boat motor, I am a car mechanic at a dealership and am thinking about rebuilding a boat motor.?

Question

For a mechanic to rebuild a outboard motor is this difficult. skill level to rebuild out bourd motors? Its a 85hp force. I dont think it will be that big a deal but im hoping to get input from a couple boat mechanics. Thx

Answer 1

Stick to working on cars.  Outboards are totally different.  Leave boat motors for properly certified marine technicians.  I have seen personally the destruction that happens to outboards when an auto mechanic attempts to even do a minor repair to an outboard.  Anyway, Force outboards are not even worth rebuilding.  My suggestion is repowering the boat.

Answer 2

You couldn't have picked an easier motor to rebuild. The force motors are the automotive equivalent of a GM inline 6 from the 70s-80s. There is nothing tricky about the force motors. Carburation, timing, and general engine design is such that if you have any mechanical skills as it sounds like you do, you will not have any problems with disassembly or reassembly. Just remember to do a proper sync of your carburators when complete. However, finding parts may be a little more difficult. Good luck!

Answer 3

You'll have no problems.  Make sure you get a manual as there are sometimes weird tourque sequences on some if those outboards.

Answer 4

I am going to have to disagree with JB here. I am both an auto mechanic AND a marine mechanic. Outboards are different yes. Being that most of them are still 2 strokes. But 2 strokes are one of the most simpliest engines to work on. Now the 4 stroke engines are more complicated yes. Now when it comes to I/O, there the same as auto engines so to speak. If you can work on auto engines then you will not have a problem working on marine engines. Why? Because if one has the mechanical ablility to work on one then you can work on others. Why? Because all engines work on the same concept. Unless its a rotary engine for which I have not seen in years. I have never been to auto or marine school yet I can work on any engine out there. I have built racing engines. I have restored cars, for which I am restoring a 1989 Camaro RS 5.0 TPI as I write this. Now I will say this. Depending on your level of skill you may and may not have any problems. I say that because eveybodies skills ARE at different levels. Buy a book on the motor that you have, that will help you out greatly. Dont sweat it, for you will be fine for I have faith in you. Good luck.