Advice getting small old motor serviced

[Obes]

Got a 1991 Mercury 5HP outboard. Was working fine. Accidentally left internal fuel on all night. And now won't kick over.

It looks like larger workshops are going to either refuse (too old based off the first workshop I dealership I rang) or tell me I need a new motor.

And yeah its a cheap little old motor, but its all I needed to wet a line.

So anyone know any outboard mechanic mobile or workshop on the Brisbane Northside that won't have fits of laughter when I ask them to fix it ?

I have seen Wade Wiemers mentioned a few times but is a 5hp below the sort of stuff he does ?
And google turns up someone based in Chermside.

[foxx510]

Did you try just turning off the fuel and leaving it sit for a few days and trying to start it again? Do you have the skills/tools to remove and clean the spark plug? Might find it's just a fouled plug.

[garman1]

Turn fuel off, pull out plugs and clean em ??? pull the motor over with plugs out. Refit everything and I bet it will go again no probs.

I had a 1978 6hp johnson and no local (northside) mechanic would look at it "too old" but I found a mechanic in caloundra "johno's boat service". He did a good job and never laughed or giggled about the engine one little bit........

He was saying that motors today are getting too complicated for their own good, great when their new etc but a nightmare to problem solve at times.

[Obes]

Nah I didn't try leaving it yet.

I have a spark plug remover (thought about it) but it needed more torque then I am comfortable giving it (probably need to spray WD40 or a better penetrant on it to help it on its way).

As for whether I have the skills or not ... that is always questionable! (but rarely stops me).

[Chamelion]

Jesus, 1991 is considered too old? How would these lazy bums hack it working on cars? You don't get told to go away when you rock up to a mechanic with a 1975 falcon!

[garman1]

It is a bad feeling when you take in a 1978 6 hp Johnson complete with all log books etc and be told "sorry mate we don't touch motors that old", there was no reference to another mechanic who did work on "old" motors. I couldn't (wouldn't) take a new motor to them now, they went belly up.(wonder why)!!!!!

[Hornet Rider]

Obes, if your self servicing doesn't work you could try Mal Leichman at Creek Marine Enoggera 3354 1475. He grew up on Mercs. Also Allan Downes at Downes Marine B'creek 3252 7719. Downes Marine is a Johnson/Evinrude/BRP reapair specialist but if Mal can't help you, & that would surprise me, then Allan might be able to. See attached link for more contacts http://outboard_motor_sales_service_x_repairs-brisbane.bdau.com/

cheers, HR

[Obes]

Self servicing seemed to do the trick.

Didn't look like a fouled spark plug (wet or dry) but cleaning seemed to resolve it. prolly should just have replaced it to be sure. But seems fine now

[stevej]

they are just afraid of busting a bolt or someotherstuck part and the owner blaming them

dont take many years for gear box bolts to be frozen stuck

[Chimo]

Obes

I reckon if I were you I'd save up for a new spark plug;) and take your motor to one of the guys Hornet Rider suggested::)

Cheers
Chimo

[Obes]

The huge investment that it is :P