Well I'm sure this sounds familiar but I too have been dealing with this same fraudulent Jack a$. I've been dealing with him since march and I still do not have a working engine. Of course he got his $4700.00 in full and since then it has been nothing but lies. I sold a working engine to get a newer one from James and upon delivery I found out the 2001 engine we agreed on actually was a 1996 which was older then the one I sold. The first time I put the boat in the water it overheated and broke down 200 yards from the dock. Thank god for trolling motors. James told me to check the water pump and when I did I discovered a washer just floating around in the impeller housing tearing up the impeller. I have called and called and get no responce. I bought a new water pump with housing and swapped it out with the old ragged out one and still overheats. Several calls later James tells me to replace the head gaskets because he thinks he might have put the wrong ones on. Shockingly he sent me new gaskets which were identical to the ones I took off. Put the boat in the water same problem. Called and called and finally got him to pick up the phone and told him I did not buy an engine so I could work on it. He advised me to bring it to a local marine and he would pay for the fix. That was in August The mechanic at the marina looked at the engine and noticed that there were no serial numbers anywhere on the engine which of course you can't order parts when you don't know what engine is in front of you. James told the marina to diagnose the problem and he would pay for repairs. I received a phone call two weeks later from the marina which I was advised that there are three seized pistons and the engine has a cracked power head. (surprise surprise) James told them to take the powerhead off and crate it for shipping and he would pick it up in a day or two. First week in January I am forced to pay the service bill and pick up my boat and engine which was now on a pallot. James can not be reached. I decided to do some research on laws due to the fact that I am a cop and found out that the sale of an outboard engine without serial numbers is a crime. So guess who is about to have a warrant for his arrest. I am sure I am not the only one who has this issue with him so check your engines and if your's don't have a serial number contact your local law enforcement agency and give him what he deserves. It's a shame it has to come to this when all he has to do is honor his commitment. It should be noted that he learned his business ethics from some where and I found out that his parents also rebuild outboards so you may want to be cautious if your dealing with NW florida outboard rebuild. I am now at almost a year without my boat and the ability to fish the tournament trail which I always do. Final cell phone tally was 95 calls from me and only 15 returns from James. Good luck to you all who have endured this aggravation and loss of money. If you have any questions send me an e-mail.
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