is there a good mechanic in this area (Longview, Marshall, TX. maby Shreveport, LA) I am not needing anything now but I just wanted to know if there was someone that was trusted to do mods or help with other issues that may come up that i don't have to pack it up and ship it somewhere?

Miller Power Equipment in Tyler seems knowledgeable. There is also Danuser Small Engine Repair in Whithouse Texas. Danuser rebuilt my GD20LT this last seasom during the split ans it seems to be workign fine. I am relatively new to the mud motor scene so please take that into consideration.

DB8 is in the Dallas area and can usually help with motor trouble and installing mods. He doesn't have a shop or anything, but he's the most knowledgeable person I know of in these parts. Most lawnmower shops won't screw with mods and hate fooling with engines that are on boats. I would def not take anything to H&W.

These engines are very simple if you are even somewhat mechanically inclined. Order a service manual and read through it. You can do pretty much any work that needs to be done on your own if you take a little time to learn about them.

thanks for the info I may try most of It myself but needed to know where to go for help. I am somewhat mechanically inclined but like CB said I wouldn't take ANYTHING to H&W. I kmow you guys on here will help and have sent me phone #s and said they could talk me threw it so I feel a lot more confident about it now.

You can talk to Mike Roach at Will's Automotive in Spring Hill. They are on FM300 near the SH school. Mike is an auto mechanic that has years of experience working on MB motors.