outboard exploded just after service, who pays?

sssyco

Took boat out last weekend and half way back to ramp engine started losing power, sounded like it was only running on 3 cylinders, limped back to ramp at idle speed just to be safe. Took to shop today and was told timing wheel came loose and detonated one of the pistons. Now he says will cost 3-4k to fix (115hp Johnson 2 stroke 2003 mdl ). Boat has hardly been used since last service in January. Who is to blame here? Should the mechanic who serviced it pay? Does insurance cover anything?
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Here fishy fishy, were waiting....

Deepsix · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:22 pm Post subject:

I suppose it depends on what they did at the last service ? If they were tinkering with the part that failed, you might like to enquire what guarantees apply to their work, if the answer is "none" you'd be wise to find a repairer that does !

sssyco · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 1:56 pm Post subject:

I just purchased the boat before Xmas, took it for test drive before purchase and everything was fine. Thought i better do the right thing and get it serviced before I used it. Asked the guy to do regular service and check over the engine to make sure it was all in good nick. Invoice was $560 and says it included spark plugs, fuel filter, water pump, gear oil, service and tune. When I picked it up he said it was all fine. Now apparently because a boat has come loose im up for $3-4K to fix it! Maybe my wife was right when she told me not to buy a boat

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Here fishy fishy, were waiting....

Deepsix · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:06 pm Post subject:

Needless to say, they can't be held responsible for problems unrelated to the service, and it sounds likely to me to have no connection. It might be a different matter if you had bought the boat from a dealer who offered some kind of warranty. Someone might be able to enlighten us as to any known issues with that engine, that causes the failure you mention.

Deepsix · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject:

This could be related to your issue:
http://www.justanswer.com/boat/1vvog-1999-johnson-v4-115hp-mechanic.html
It is claimed the timing wheel coming loose is a known problem.

sssyco · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:18 pm Post subject:

hmm interesting, sounds like it could be same problem. Would have been nice to know before the engine killed itself
_________________
Here fishy fishy, were waiting....

albundy · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:55 pm Post subject: Re:

bacchusboy · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:20 pm Post subject:

Motor exploded...... just after service mmm.Two months after a service is not just after a service and how many hours has the engine done since the last service.Dont crucify the mechanic before the facts are in.Mabye the guy sold the boat because he was having trouble with it.Insurance should pay cant see why not.

sssyco · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:38 pm Post subject: Re:

frozenpod · Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 4:29 pm Post subject:

Regarding one cylinder only being damaged that is a little odd if the timing wheel advanced the timing to the point of detonation.

Normally all 4 cylinders would detonate. It is possible that one cylinder was slightly leaner than the others causing detonation on just one cylinder.