tools for working as an outboard engine repairs person?

Question

hey guys, i'm starting up a tool kit because I am wanting to get into outboard engineering, I did a year pre-apprenticeship course at uni and I have a few tools and a tool chest, but I need more ideas on some tools that are really important to have.

cheers

Answer 1

Each manufacturer has a group of "special tools" that are necessary to work on their engines. There is another group of tools that are more common, but are used on most brands. Some shops have tools that are company owned and shared by all of the mechanics.



Tools are very expensive. I found certain tools where necessary to do the job quickly and efficiently, and at the same time make me money by allowing me to do the difficult jobs.



Most tool kits from people like Snap-on or Craftsman are not as useful as you would think. I actually had several small tool kits, sorted by the job. I now have a lot of Harbor Freight tools. They are of good quality, so I can have several ratchets for the price of one Snap-on.



Over time you will accumulate tools that you like to use that are money makers. Others you only use rarely, but you can't get the job done without them.



I'd advise you to get your own lower unit tools for OMC (Johnson and Evinrude) and Mercuriser stern drives.



I'll attach a partial list a little later.

Answer 2

I have been a licenced marine tech for over 30 years, and have accumulated over $40,000 in tools required to be efficient in my trade. This does not include tool storage units (another $8,000), manufacturer specific "speciality tools", or computer diagnostic tools. I won't bother itemizing general tools, you will figure out your needs the first week on the job, but here is some general advice:



Start with good diagnostic tools. If you don't know what the fault is, all the tools in the world wont help you. A multimeter with a DVA adapter is essential, as is a dial indicator set, timing light, a multiple cylinder spark tester, a fuel pressure and vacuum tester, and an accurate shop tachometer. And don't forget a set of torque wrenches. And the list goes on!



A good tool storage system is a must. Keeping your tools clean and organized helps keep you efficient. Make sure the cabinets and chests can carry the weight of the tools. Ball bearing drawer slides and casters, welded cabinet construction, and solid work surfaces are some plusses to look for.



Buy good quality tools once, rather than cheap junk over and over. Try not to become brand-fixed: even the best tool makers have lemons in their line-up. As an example, almost all my sockets are from Westward, and are of a better quality than Snap-On, and at about 1/3 of the price.



INSURE YOUR TOOLS! Keep them locked up when you are not around, and don't loan them out.

If your tools are lost, stolen or destroyed, you are out of work.



Ask advice from older, more experienced techs you work with. Most of us old farts are more than happy to offer advice as to required tools, brands, good deals, etc.

Answer 3

You'll need some specialized tooling so i've gone ahead and short listed the ones I keep in my shop:

decent quality kuhneutsen air valve bleed kit

micro encabulator for dialing in compression ratios

a set of spark arrestors

digital tuning and truing calibration monitor (with dual lateral run out range finders)

distributor re-curve kit, fuel flow meter, air flow meter, oil viscosity adjuster, heating mantles, shaft balancer, prop turner with power diverter, and a decent 55 gallon barrel that holds water to run the outboard motors for testing. You'll also need the common hand tools of course (sockets, wrenches, screw drivers etc)

Answer 4

If you did the course as claimed you should already know what tools you need!