www.iFourWinns.com

I just got a call from my marine service rep and he informed me of an additional $225 U Joint Bellow replacement I needed. Since it was my first year with my new to me boat, I figured I would spring for the expensive winterization with outdrive service. I also know my starter is starting to go and he hasn't even gotten to that yet. I guess I am venting on here, but am wondering a couple things.

1) Should I be happy I went the route I did and that this was caught?
2) Does the $225 cost sound about correct for a U Joint Bellow Replacement?
3) Is replacing a starter myself a job I can do as a newbie that can follow directions? I am not sure if he is going to call me and tell me it is the solenoid or the starter, but I want to be prepared to make a decision whether I should do it or have him do it. I am thinking a solenoid I would have him do b/c they are relatively inexpensive, but the starters I know are not cheap.

Volvo Penta 4.3L GL SX

People warned me about getting into this hobby, but I didn't listen Thanks in advance!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

Starter is not that bad of a job on a 4.3L. Disconnect battery and then wires going to starter and then just a matter of unbolting it and replacing it with the new one.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Did you already tell them to replace the bellows? I replaced mine this year myself. Bellow was $50 (plus exhaust bellow $50)

If you did not already have them do it, you may want to spend the time doing it yourself to get comfortable removing the outdrive since it is recommended every year.

Check my thread on My first maintenance. I've listed tools required etc.

Never replaced a boat starter but it looked easily accessible on my 2000 H180 when I was removing the the engine block drain plug.

I also found the repair manual at my local library which was a nessesity for torue values etc.

Matt,
I did have him just do it because he already had the lower unit dropped for service. I read your post this morning and was very impressed. Especially seeing that you are a first time boat owner as well. My goal is to read up and be able to do a lot of this stuff in the future, so I am picking my battles as I go. I am having them do the bellow and I am going to tackle the starter. I will definitely utilize your suggestions as well as other posts going forward. Thanks for the reply and I will be sure to let everyone know how the starter replacement goes. Any suggestions or links to posts on this topic are appreciated.

Thanks again!

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

Thanks for the post 07H200SS! I am thinking the hardest part of the starter replacement will be it's location. When I was messing with it to get off the water last time out, it was in a tight spot.

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2001 Four Winns 180 Horizon
4.3L Volvo Penta

And welcome to the forum if it hasn't been said already.
Ardy
South Oz

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc