Non-Dealer Motor Service

[Doomy]

Hello Ausfishers!

Just wondering if anyone can answer this question for me as I have seen a couple of posts previously but the doubt remains.

I have a Mercury 4 stroke under warranty and would like to know if it is ok to get it serviced by a mobile mechanic and get the book stamped.
I see no clear reference on the manuel just lots of suggestions to use a Mercury dealer.

All advice/experience welcome.

Ta
Doomy

[peterbo3]

Doomy,
Whilst under warranty I would pay the extra & get it serviced by a Merc dealer. Ring around for prices. You can also save heaps by buying the correct spark plugs yourself as dealers seem to mark em up hugely.
If there is a problem & you have to take it to a Merc dealer for warranty work there may be issues as most of the newer 4St have a computer chip recording stuff from the engine management system such as RPM, temp , etc. The average mobile mech would not have the diagnostic equipment to tap into the chip. The chip may be be able to warn of an impending problem
which could blow your warranty if not done through a Merc dealer..

[Spaniard_King]

Doomy,

what model 4 banger have ya got??

Personally I think dealer service is overated, most dealers are after $$$

I think personal service is a priority!!

You can learn a lot from a good mobile mechanic and generally get what you pay for.

There aint too many outboard models in the market that require computor access for servicing. There are too many outboards in remote areas for this to be the norm.

The problem is getting a good reliable mechanic, if you get a chance ask ya local outboard mechanic what he gets paid . Then ask yourself if you would work there for that $$$. If you notice there always seems to be a lot of young guys around a dealership??

cheers

Garry

[Mad_Barry]

I've had my previous Merc 4 stroke serviced by an 'opposition' dealer while in the warranty period. No probs, stamped the book and all. The only thing a non merc dealer can't do is a warranty claim.

[Doomy]

Thanks for the input guys.

Garry,

It's a 2004 40HP EFI.
I agree once it's out of warranty I'll look at doing it myself but thats still 2 years away.

Dicko,

I'll ask around some of the other dealers and see what they have to say.
Hopefully I can get a better rate.