Should i service my own 15hp 2 stroke

[sansan]

Hi everyone,

I am purchasing a 370 quintrex explorer next week as a cartopper. And a 15hp 2 stroke suzuki. I am thinking of doing my own services. I haven't done them before but think it will be a great way to learn about my outboard and possibly learn enough to get myself out of trouble one day.

Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated! And will the servicing manual come with it or will i have to purchase one seperatly?

[finga]

If you ask the question then no.
If you get someone to show you around the engine and show you how things work etc etc etc then go for it.
Modern outboards are not like 125cc Victa's. There are many facets to an outboard that will make them reliable. Miss one and your paddling and no-one wants that.

Service manual will not come with the outboard.

But by all means learn about your outboard as it may well save a bit of aggravation one day but first get someone to show you all around it and explain what's what.
You may also need specialised tools to work on your outboard as well. Is it new?

Another consideration is guarantee. If it's new and you service it the guarantee may be voided if it does play up.

[lucee81]

If its new i would pay for servicing as you probably wont get warranty if you service it yourself, if it out of warranty what i did was get a mate who is a outboard mechanic to service it and teach me, now i do my own services.

[wamjam]

I bought a brand new 25hp 2 banger in 2002 and hasn't had a service yet. Make sure water is coming out the tell tail and use fresh clean fuel mixed correctly.

[Roobone]

Depends how old it is and what condition it is in.

We had to do fuel hoses, rewire main harness at a dodgy join, mate had a starter fail out at sea, i had a borrowed boat down at port lincoln and thermostat seized as it was old and rusted up.

If you do it your self download the operation and maintenance manual and use that as a guide. I reckon the other boys are correct, get a majpr service done by a gurru first then carry on yourself after that.

We just did spark plugs, gear box oil, and adjustments on ours over a six year period and never had a breakdown.

There are so many variables, yon need to decide based on what you know about the engine!

[whiteman]

I do my Suzy 6HP 4s. Never had a lesson. Got a few tips off the guys on the iboats forum. Can change impeller, plug, oil, etc. My big motor is a different story for experts only.

[Noelm]

Makes little difference how big the motor is, if you are mechanically competent, have some decent basic hand tools, AND a genuine service manual, then almost no repairs are beyond the home mechanic, however, if you have a few department store tools, and have no idea of what end of something is what, then take it to a respected dealer to have it fixed/serviced, servicing is relatively simple on a carby 2 stroke, requireing limited tools and skill, but it needs to be done "by the book" or you will be just passing over necessary items that require routine replacement and/or inspection.