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Re. Clymer, I have used only older ones and as I recall they were OK; don't know about recently.
Have a Sealoc now for my Honda. I'm close to saying it sucks; maybe not quite, but it's pretty poor. Worst feature is the drawings and photos are often reduced to an eighth of a page or less, when they need to be at least four times the size to see detail adequately. Also there is just too much missing; real lack of detail in many areas. I dislike it enough I'd never buy another Sealoc, unless I verified in advance that it would give adequate coverage of the motor I was concerned with.
Though they cost more than a Clymer or Seloc, a factory service manual will tell you just about any thing you need to know. They’re much more specific as to the particular year they cover and if they cover more than one model, it’s not much more. I’ve got a Merc fsm that covers one year, 135, 150, 175, and 200hp models. I’ve also got the Clymer book that covers the same motor, it covers 17 years of Mercs from 45 to 225hp. Plus, the Merc fsm is thicker than the Clymer.
Often, the Clymer model will give you just enough information to get you in trouble.
I’ve bought two fsm’s off Ebay and they didn’t cost much more than one of the other manuals.
Trey1096 - 3/22/2008 11:48 AMThough they cost more than a Clymer or Seloc, a factory service manual will tell you just about any thing you need to know. They’re much more specific as to the particular year they cover and if they cover more than one model, it’s not much more. I’ve got a Merc fsm that covers one year, 135, 150, 175, and 200hp models. I’ve also got the Clymer book that covers the same motor, it covers 17 years of Mercs from 45 to 225hp. Plus, the Merc fsm is thicker than the Clymer.Often, the Clymer model will give you just enough information to get you in trouble.I’ve bought two fsm’s off Ebay and they didn’t cost much more than one of the other manuals. Trey
I think that is good advice. The factory manuals do seem to be of a much higher quality.
I would like to get one or the other. Which is better and why? Thanks tht!
Neither one of them! As has already been stated, the official factory manual is the only way to go because it contains so much more detailed information.
I have a Seloc and I don't like it. It tries to cover too many motor in one book and makes to many general statements. I have never read a Clymer so I can't comment on them but I won't buy another Seloc. I was hoping the Seloc was written like a Hayes manual is for vehicles but it is not of the same quality.
I was told by every one to go with a factory one. Had trouble finding one for mine (02 Johnson 150) . This place had my factory manuel and the parts listing book for the year of prodution of the motor. cost me 90.00 bucks and was worth it to me. Here is the link... http://www.marineengine.com/
I think having the factory parts book is good to have too.
It did take about 2weeks for them to get it to me.
Hope this helps
4/0
I probably shouldn't mention this, but on eBay there are often, um, unofficial collections of the official manuals on CD or data DVD. Often these are the manufacturers' own CD versions of their print manuals. These are often very cheap, but YMMV. As always, a seller's good feedback is the safest guide.
I've had good luck with Clymer's but the factory book is a little more comprehensive. If you dont mind spending the money get both. Manuals frequently come to a detail where it is assumed you "know" and will gloss over a point.
Factory manuals are intended to be used by trained mechanics so it's almost understandable for them. For other manuals it is probably laziness, oversight or bad editting. Each manual will have illustrations from a slightly different visual perspective which can be helpful.
I've never used Seloc. I've had good luck with Clymer's. Loathed Haynes. The Haynes manual I had for my Mazda B2600i had diagrams pages away from the concerned text. Did not have diagrams for all procedures and was at times not too clear in the text.
Good luck!
__________________ I'm not a boat expert, I just read THT!
Better service book: Clymer or Seloc? 
I think that is good advice. The factory manuals do seem to be of a much higher quality. 
