How to Justify the A-4 Engine Rebuilt Job?


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Posted by leon on December 20, 2003 at 16:13:48:

I just had my 1982 27' Catalina's atomic-4 rebuilt by a local ship repair shop at the cost of $5,000, including the installation. However, it did not include the carburetor and transmission.
Few days ago, right after it was rebuilt, I did test sailing and found out that its power was too weak to drive the boat, only about 1~2 knots, even with full throttle. I could hear the engine running noise getting higher with higher throttle, but not helping the boat speed.
The reapir shop master told me that it might be the fuel line problem (e.g anywhere between the fuel tanke and carburetor), tranmission problem, or even the problem of fouling on the bottom.
I really don't see how transmission issue connected to the speed. However, I did have the problem on "reversing gear", which was not very responsive. Should I need transmission adjustment, which is not included in the $5k rebuilt work.
Anyway, I was asked to put more money for them to do the diagnosis job (e.g check the fuel line, carburetor and transmission)....just like throwing the money into a bottomless hole.
Repair shop said that the engine itself is working fine, with the right compression pressure. How do I justify if they have completed their job well?
Before the rebuilt, my boat has been sitting in the dock dead for about half year.
Any comment?



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