Need second opinion in Greater Boston

[mdglaw]

I have had a Suzuki 4 stroke 50 motor since 2000. Serviced by dealer every year. I am not actively unhappy with my dealer, but want a second opinion. Motor is running but if you idle long enough the alarm comes on. Used to be you ran the motor for a bit and it would go off, now need to turn off motor wait a few minutes and turn back on. Motor does not start and run as nice as before. Two years ago dealer told me the turnbuckle was frozen and he did not want to force it. I believe to replace the impeller or water pump you need to access the turnbuckle. He recommended I remove the power head because these engines have a tendency to slight leak in head gasket. We did this off-season last year and he said he could not remove the head because water infiltration had caused the gear between head and gears to fuse together. he suggested I would need a new motor. I ran the motor last year with the above issues (I have a small spare for safety). I want to have somebody else look at it to see if she can be repaired before I junk the motor. Looking for recommendations of dealer or independent mechanic. Motor on a 18 Lund

[larrysuzuki]

First what are you calling turnbuckle. If drive shaft is frozen in crankshaft you have to cut throught drive shaft housing with sawsall with engine running and cut shaft to remove power head. Then you can check water pump and replace also check pressure valve and thermostat.

[mdglaw]

thanks for reply. I have not been present when these observations have been made, they were relayed to me by dealer. Assuming that one cuts through all these things is this worth doing or am I spending as much as a new motor? Is this something you have done?

I have fixed a lot of motorcycle engines and done a fair amount of work on cars but have never touched an outboard beyond normal oil change winter maintenance.