Be very careful of using automotive parts, even when they seem to be
interchangeable.
Just as an example, the water pump for a Volvo 225 appears to be the
same as for a Chevy 350, even the number in the casting is the same.
The difference is, since you are running salt water through it, the pump
contains very different parts. Even considering the difference in
price, the Volovo part is the better value (lasts years vs. months).

Without addressing your questions directly, my advice comes from many
years of owning an outdrive and dealing with a variety of mechanics:
Buy quality, proper parts from an authorized parts house, buy a manual
and do ALL the work yourself.

That's my way of "getting the right price".

You will make mistakes, but so will the mechanic you're paying.

Matt wrote:

I finally got the entire pricing for the repair
to my 94 Chaparral. I needed a new Thermostat Housing $363 (Part number:
90736a24) and Intake Manifold NEW $574 (Part number: 17618t). My local
marina, whom i have used in the past, found me a Used Intake Manifold for
$275. They gave me a total price for the entire job of $1200 and change
that's with the used manifold, with a new one they said approx $1600. Does
this sound right? They had to do a few oil changes to pinpoint
the problem and a few afterwards to make sure that there is no more water in
the oil. Other then that i think that's all. So does the labor and
oil changes sound about right? I think they charge between 75 and 85 per
hour in labor...

Thanks for any info,

-Matt