Just looking for advice on repairing or replacing my 2000 Mecury 225hp EFI engine. Repair shop says around $9,500 to replace the power head and $18,500 for new motor. I can purchase a rebuilt power head online for around $3500. A friend says he will do the work for me. He is very capable. Wondering if there are any other options or if someone has had dealings with a company that is in the engine rebuilding business. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Online motor rebuilders are always suspect. Get referrals.

Might try getting a hold of Texas Outboard Marine rebuilders, they are in
Seven Points, tx

Shop around if your really considering new. Those prices are steep. You could upgrade to a brand new mercury pro xs 225 right now for around $13000. Check out jacos marine. They have a free rigging special going on right now mercury to mercury changover and mercury is offering a rebate of $1500 on those engines.

I would just have it rebuilt though, it shouldn't take anywhere near $9500.

I second this suggestion.

As suggested, you want a hands-on service/shop where you can have a place and a face to go if the rebuilt powerhead goes south. That way, one entity is responsible for everything, no finger pointing.

If you order a powerhead online, and you or any third party installs it, then it blows up in two hours (or pick a number), the remote supplier may pull out the excuse book - not broken in correctly, not installed correctly, etc. etc. leaving you holding another pile of scarred up metal. These are HUGE drawbacks, as eluded to by Pat above. Find a good shop in Texas to do the complete job. BTW, that $9500 quote must be for the gold-plated option?

$9,500 better come with a 5 year warranty too.... that's absurd.

I've seen some "rebuilders" work, it's scary.
There was/is one up north called black birds, that motor showed up missing rings on two cylinders and no gaskets, just orange pookie.
There is/was a clown in Austin called capt. mack, again no gaskets, and the cylinder honing was never done, could have used cylinder walls as a file. Horrible.

Be careful, use known good builders, shy from anyone wanting to do it cheap.

I can rebuild it for around 3000.00

PM me if have any question

http://www.texasoutboardrebuild.com

Never a bad word....plus a 2+2 warranty

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. You guys have saved before. Think I am going with Texas Outboard Rebuild. I like their warranty etc. Thanks again, Marv

Thats way cheaper than a repower. Cant ask for a better deal with the warranty.