Need Recommendation for where to get a small outboard serviced

whfh99 · 04-04-2010, 09:02 AM

I live in Gilford and have a 1965 6HP Johnson that needs some servicing. I am looking for a recommendation for an affordable, skilled service shop. I am hoping that someone has first hand experience with small repair shop in the lakes region that is reasonable in price. I would expect the larger marinas, on the water, will still charge the $120+/hr labor rate, regardless of the work and would really like to find a small, hole in wall shop where the work is just as good but the overhead isn't built in to the price. My engine doesn't seem to want to fire on both cylinders and needs some tuning by someone with more outboard experience then me. Know anyone?

Thanks in advance.

Link

fatlazyless · 04-04-2010, 10:13 AM

Bill......418-4113.....after 6....down in Exeter

BroadHopper · 04-04-2010, 06:41 PM

He deals with all outboards. Antiques too!

ApS · 04-04-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whfh99

"...My engine doesn't seem to want to fire on both cylinders and needs some tuning by someone with more outboard experience than me. Know anyone...?"

First, I'd check that your spark plug connectors may not be firmly pushed onto the spark plugs.

Regardless of "outboard experience" you're gonna get charged for two new spark plugs.

Before hefting that motor into the car, install two new spark plugs—drain the fuel line—then fill the tank with fresh gasoline.

You might surprise yourself with your new-found "tuning" ability!

VitaBene · 04-05-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

He deals with all outboards. Antiques too!

I second BH's suggestion- Dave's has a good reputation.

APS, Agreed on the plugs though they may change them all over again! The carb (s) likely need to be cleaned as well.

fatlazyless · 04-05-2010, 08:36 PM

The Napa Auto Store should have a $19.50 parts cleaner kit good for small engine carburetors. It is basically a one gallon steel paint can, 3/4 full with carburetor cleaner, and a round steel perforated cleaner tray with a handle designed for dunking the dirty part. It requires removing the carburetor from the engine and placing into the one gal paint can for about a two minute soak.

Anyone ever use one of these on a small engine carburetor like on a small outboard motor, wood chipper or leaf vacuum-shredder? How's that work out ok?

robmac · 04-06-2010, 05:31 AM

I have and do use the carb hot tank solution to clean a variety of parts with great success. I would however caution against simply taking the carb off and dunking it. It probably will need to be taken apart cleaned inspected and any gaskets etc. replaced.

gtxrider · 04-06-2010, 02:28 PM

I would got to see Dave as well. 1965 Outboards are kind of simple but if you are not sure take it to a mechanic. You can't buy a new one for what it will cost to repair

ishoot308 · 04-06-2010, 03:55 PM

Another vote for Dave's!

Grady223 · 04-14-2010, 09:02 AM

Highly recommend Dave's.

ski emt · 04-14-2010, 12:15 PM

I agree that Dave's is the one

cowisl · 04-16-2010, 09:30 AM

Dave Rossetti 603 393 5658

SAMIAM · 04-16-2010, 09:58 AM

1965?? maybe it's worth something at the outboard museum........

fatlazyless · 04-16-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowisl

Dave Rossetti 603 393 5658

...yeah...believe that Dave R of Moultonboro (or Tuftonboro ?) is a certified Evinrude-Johnson technician, and they don't even let you take the test for that until you have ten years of experience...plus Dave is a big fan of the loop-charged OMC outboard two-strokes....plus he probably will appreciate the business a lot more than the Dave's in Gilford....plus he's probably a lot lower in price than one of those high priced Gilford marinas...

ApS · 04-17-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

1965?? maybe it's worth something at the outboard museum........

You'd be surprised at how many of these old engines are still powering sailboats—even on the ocean. There's four of us (all friends) who own and operate 6HP Johnson/Evinrude outboards from the 60s and 70s: without misadventure, they're indestructible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtxrider

I would got to see Dave as well. 1965 Outboards are kind of simple but if you are not sure take it to a mechanic. You can't buy a new one for what it will cost to repair

Ain't that the truth!

This carb is very simple, and while there are obvious plastic parts to remove for dunking, there are no gaskets to be found.

My BIL once broke off the idle jet in my 70s 6HP Johnson. In a desperate attempt to fix it, I removed the carburetor. (Which is a difficult operation in itself—having to bend a wrench pretzel-like to fit it).

I re-drilled the port from the back side, and sealed that drilling with a pop rivet. Newly found was an extremely fast top speed, but the idle was still AOL.

The Johnson was replaced satisfactorily with another just like it. It's now stored as an "organ donor" should any of us need any other parts.

So far, so good.

04-04-2010, 09:02 AM	#1
whfh99 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Need Recommendation for where to get a small outboard serviced I live in Gilford and have a 1965 6HP Johnson that needs some servicing. I am looking for a recommendation for an affordable, skilled service shop. I am hoping that someone has first hand experience with small repair shop in the lakes region that is reasonable in price. I would expect the larger marinas, on the water, will still charge the $120+/hr labor rate, regardless of the work and would really like to find a small, hole in wall shop where the work is just as good but the overhead isn't built in to the price. My engine doesn't seem to want to fire on both cylinders and needs some tuning by someone with more outboard experience then me. Know anyone? Thanks in advance. Link

04-04-2010, 10:13 AM	#2
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,525 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 295 Thanked 957 Times in 698 Posts	Bill......418-4113.....after 6....down in Exeter __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

04-04-2010, 06:41 PM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	Dave's Motorboat Shop. He deals with all outboards. Antiques too! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-05-2010, 08:36 PM	#6
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,525 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 295 Thanked 957 Times in 698 Posts	The Napa Auto Store should have a $19.50 parts cleaner kit good for small engine carburetors. It is basically a one gallon steel paint can, 3/4 full with carburetor cleaner, and a round steel perforated cleaner tray with a handle designed for dunking the dirty part. It requires removing the carburetor from the engine and placing into the one gal paint can for about a two minute soak. Anyone ever use one of these on a small engine carburetor like on a small outboard motor, wood chipper or leaf vacuum-shredder? How's that work out ok? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

04-06-2010, 02:28 PM	#8
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	See Dave I would got to see Dave as well. 1965 Outboards are kind of simple but if you are not sure take it to a mechanic. You can't buy a new one for what it will cost to repair

04-06-2010, 05:31 AM	#7
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I have and do use the carb hot tank solution to clean a variety of parts with great success. I would however caution against simply taking the carb off and dunking it. It probably will need to be taken apart cleaned inspected and any gaskets etc. replaced.

04-06-2010, 03:55 PM	#9
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 5,928 Thanks: 2,285 Thanked 4,939 Times in 1,915 Posts	Dave's Another vote for Dave's!

04-14-2010, 09:02 AM	#10
Grady223 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island Posts: 464 Thanks: 93 Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts	Ditto Dave's Highly recommend Dave's.

04-14-2010, 12:15 PM	#11
ski emt Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I agree that Dave's is the one

04-16-2010, 09:30 AM	#12
cowisl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cow Island Posts: 167 Thanks: 6 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	Dave Rossetti 603 393 5658

04-16-2010, 09:58 AM	#13
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	1965?? maybe it's worth something at the outboard museum........