Should I rebuild or repower my diesel engine?

It depends on the engine's condition, its hours and what parts for it cost. We check compression, the fuel and cooling systems and the oil, then give you a written estimate for each option, so you can compare a rebuild with a replacement engine before anything is done.

What is the difference between repairing a diesel engine and rebuilding it?

A repair fixes the part that failed, such as an injector, a pump or a gasket. A rebuild takes the engine apart and renews its worn internal parts, such as rings, bearings and gaskets, with any machining done by a machine shop. We tell you which one your engine needs after the diagnosis, with a written estimate.

How much does a diesel engine overhaul cost?

Labor is $150 an hour, plus parts and the trip fee for work at your boat. A diagnosis is at least $300 for each engine; then you get a written estimate for the repair, and nothing is done without your OK.

Do you check the cooling system during an overhaul?

Yes. Overheating is often caused by a clogged raw-water intake or strainer, a worn impeller or a stuck thermostat. We check the whole cooling system, find the cause and quote the repair before we do it.

Can the overhaul be done with the boat at my dock?

Yes. Whether your boat is in the water or on a trailer, we come to you in San Pedro, Wilmington, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach; farther places on request. Each visit has a one-way trip fee by distance, from $30 in San Pedro to $110 in Newport Beach.

Can you bring back a diesel engine that has been sitting for years?

Often, yes. We start with a compression test and a check of the fuel, starting and cooling systems, then tell you what can be repaired and what needs replacing, with a written estimate. Old fuel is drained and disposed of, and the fuel system cleaned, before the engine is started.

What if the starter engages but the engine will not turn at all?

That usually points to a weak battery or a poor connection, a starter that has failed, or an engine that is seized or has water in a cylinder. Do not keep cranking it: we test the batteries, cables and starter and check whether the engine turns by hand, then give you a written estimate for the repair.

Rebuild Gasoline Outboard Engine – Full Restoration for Peak Performance

Rebuild Gasoline Outboard Engine – Full Restoration for Peak Performance (2)

Rebuild Gasoline Outboard Engine to Peak Performance Standards

Gasoline outboard engine rebuilds in Long Beach and San Pedro, including Mercury and Yamaha. We test compression, rebuild the powerhead with new wear parts and check the cooling and fuel systems that often cause the damage, and we quote the rebuild before any work starts.

Rating:

100% of 100

3 Reviews Add Your Review

$150 /hr

Labor estimate Quoted after inspection

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Gasoline Outboard Engine Rebuild in Long Beach and San Pedro

When a gasoline outboard, such as a Mercury or Yamaha, has lost compression and power to wear, overheating or a fuel problem, we rebuild the powerhead. We check the motor at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or at our San Pedro shop.

What the work covers

After a compression test and an inspection, the work goes in this order:

Teardown: we take the powerhead apart and measure the cylinders, pistons, crankshaft and bearings against the maker's limits.
Machining and parts: we replace worn pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets and seals. When the cylinders need honing or boring, or a four-stroke's head and valves need machine work, a machine shop we work with does it. Parts and machine shop charges are listed on your estimate.
Fuel and ignition: carburetor cleaning and rebuilding on older motors, a fuel injection check on newer ones, and an ignition check and tune.
Cooling: a new water pump impeller and a check of the thermostats (see our impeller and thermostat service), since overheating is a common cause of powerhead damage.
Testing: we run the motor and confirm it starts, idles, shifts and holds temperature as it should.

Signs your outboard needs more than a tune-up

Low compression, or one cylinder weaker than the rest
Power that new plugs and fresh fuel do not bring back
A knock or rattle from the powerhead
Rough running since the motor overheated
On a four-stroke, milky oil or oil use that keeps rising

Questions about outboard engine rebuilds

Is a rebuild worth it on an older outboard?

It depends on the block and crankshaft, whether parts are still available for your model and the condition of the rest of the motor, including the lower unit and controls. If the block is badly damaged, a powerhead swap can make more sense. We quote the options before any work is done.

What makes an outboard lose compression?

Common causes are overheating from a worn impeller or blocked water passages, lean running from a fuel problem, and plain wear over many hours. That is why the rebuild includes the cooling and fuel systems.

Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, the engine make, model and horsepower, the approximate hours, where it is kept and what the motor is doing, or call (213) 693-0224.