At the mercy of the Dealer!!!

[lashk]

Brought my boat in last week because after the third time taking it out after buying it in November the engine started stalling out and running terrible and barely made it back to the ramp. They finally got to it and called this morning. They said everything checked out as far as the fuel and oil pressure, air, and electrical system and no codes were stored. Compresssion was good but there was a rattle in the engine itself. They told me the only way to find out what is wrong would be to pull the engine and check it out. I probably agree with them as far as the noise and vibration goes but here is my question. If they remove the engine and find the problem is a major overhaul and would be super expensive to fix, would I be better off to go pick up the boat and throw the engine in the back of the truck and order a rebuilt SBT engine and install it myself? The dealer told me they will not touch a SBT engine or any of their parts. They claim their engines and parts are crap, so they would not even consider putting one of the SBT engines in for me. I assume they might do a decent overhaul but it would probably cost me a fortune. Also, if it is a lesser repair like bearings or such would I still come out better with a reman? Thanks

 

[imnothot02]

leme guess your dealer primarily deals with new equipment? If it were me id get a second opinion.

 

[angel]

I agree with nothot. Sounds like they are in the business of making money, not keeping costumers. I would go with the sbt motor and a self install. get a case of beer and make it a weekend project.

 

[lashk]

Yes, they do sell new boats but they sure don't have many of them. They've been in business about 20 years and do a lot of service work. Oh, I forgot to add that when I was getting the boat ready for water this spring I removed the driveshaft cover and one of the clamps on the pto boot was missing and the other was loose. I put tie wraps on the and added pto grease. I also noticed the sealant over the intake grate bolts had been removed at some time as if someone had to remove the grate. when I told this to the service guy he said the original owner may have sucked something like a ski rope into the impeller and had to remove the grate to get it out. He also said that whatever got sucked in could have slightly bent the driveshaft which could cause premature wear on the crankshaft bearings and cause it to sling off the clamps. He said when they pulled the engine they would check the driveshaft for damage. Also, he said the engine had only 96 hours on it in 5 years. He felt it would normally have twice that amount.

 

[imnothot02]

on jet boats?