So...I was all fat and happy with my recent outboard acquisition. My diesel has been undergoing repair for awhile now and a used outboard was going to fill the gap until I get it running (injector pump on order). It started on the first pull and ran like a charm when I bought it and I attempted to test run it (just to make sure) with my new tank, lines, etc and now.....starts, sputters, and stops....runs...stops...hard to start....runs, stops....repeat. Frankly, I've about had it with the whole thing... At what point do you just say "To Hell with it!"?
The thought of having to bring a used outboard in for a full tune-up while my diesel is currently out of commission is almost too much to bear...especially considering that the outboard mechanics in the area are all backlogged this time of year. The outboard was supposed to get me out on the water, but now I can see how the whole scenario will play out:
1) The boat will be put in the water with the crane, provisions stocked, slip reservation paid-for...and there I'll be yankin' on the pull-cord of the outboard trying to get it going while the boat-yard staff are holding onto my boat lines...only to have the boat pulled over to one of the temporary moorings and the motor yanked at the height of the launching season and either having to re-haul or pay a daily slip fee until the motor (eventually) getting a green light.
...or...
2) Bringing the outboard to the engine shop now (again, at the height of launching season) and paying $100+ to get a used engine tuned-up by July while my boat languishes in the back corner of the yard until my diesel is fixed (parts due-in 25 May). Repeat #1 above, except this time it's the diesel that acts up and my back-up outboard is still in the shop.
Oh, insert Admiral here with hands on hips and stern look on face asking about this most recent failed $250 acquisition...plus about $100 for outboard tank and lines, etc... There is not much of a comeback when you're sweaty from pulling on a pull-cord in a puddle of outboard cooling water smelling like a chainsaw and your wallet $350 lighter and your kids begging you to ride bikes with them like you promised.... :cussing:
The thought of having to bring a used outboard in for a full tune-up while my diesel is currently out of commission is almost too much to bear...especially considering that the outboard mechanics in the area are all backlogged this time of year. The outboard was supposed to get me out on the water, but now I can see how the whole scenario will play out:
1) The boat will be put in the water with the crane, provisions stocked, slip reservation paid-for...and there I'll be yankin' on the pull-cord of the outboard trying to get it going while the boat-yard staff are holding onto my boat lines...only to have the boat pulled over to one of the temporary moorings and the motor yanked at the height of the launching season and either having to re-haul or pay a daily slip fee until the motor (eventually) getting a green light.
...or...
2) Bringing the outboard to the engine shop now (again, at the height of launching season) and paying $100+ to get a used engine tuned-up by July while my boat languishes in the back corner of the yard until my diesel is fixed (parts due-in 25 May). Repeat #1 above, except this time it's the diesel that acts up and my back-up outboard is still in the shop.
Oh, insert Admiral here with hands on hips and stern look on face asking about this most recent failed $250 acquisition...plus about $100 for outboard tank and lines, etc... There is not much of a comeback when you're sweaty from pulling on a pull-cord in a puddle of outboard cooling water smelling like a chainsaw and your wallet $350 lighter and your kids begging you to ride bikes with them like you promised.... :cussing:
