Shooterdustin
Recruit
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2012
- Messages
- 5
Hello,
I purchased my current boat in the spring of this year and it worked relatively well during the summer months. It is a fiberglass cape with a 3.0 mercruiser and alpha 1 gen 2 sterndrive (OD782260). I figure the boat is around 24 years old, has not seen a ton of use, and was pretty well looked after. Now that boating is over until the spring, I have a chance to go over the boat to preform maintaince and make a couple of changes that I would not do during prime boating season. So, I have pulled the sterndrive assembly to clean, repair the damaged skeg and coat with fresh paint and decals. Once I got it off I noticed some of the seals are cracked and should be replaced so I have ordered seal kits for both the upper and lower units which I expect to arrive any day. The skeg is now good as new and the painting is complete.
However, last night I was inspecting the gears in upper unit, which look very good, but noticed there is some play in the pinion shaft bearings. I also noticed some play in lower unit drive shaft. All of the other bearings seem very good, but like I said, there is a noticeable amount of play in the pinion shaft and drive shaft. I assume this type of wear is quite normal for the year of the unit. When do they need to be replaced? I am concerned the play will affect the gear clearances. Perhaps I am overreacting a bit as I have a tendance to want everything on my boat to be perfect. If I replace the 4 bearings that are worn, will I have to re shim? or will can I just use the same shims that are in there?
I have to admit this job has taken me further than I anticipated, but I am too far to turn around now and I figure if they need attention... now is the time. I have all winter and a nice shop to work in. I look forward to some feedback that may help me out. Thanks
I purchased my current boat in the spring of this year and it worked relatively well during the summer months. It is a fiberglass cape with a 3.0 mercruiser and alpha 1 gen 2 sterndrive (OD782260). I figure the boat is around 24 years old, has not seen a ton of use, and was pretty well looked after. Now that boating is over until the spring, I have a chance to go over the boat to preform maintaince and make a couple of changes that I would not do during prime boating season. So, I have pulled the sterndrive assembly to clean, repair the damaged skeg and coat with fresh paint and decals. Once I got it off I noticed some of the seals are cracked and should be replaced so I have ordered seal kits for both the upper and lower units which I expect to arrive any day. The skeg is now good as new and the painting is complete.
However, last night I was inspecting the gears in upper unit, which look very good, but noticed there is some play in the pinion shaft bearings. I also noticed some play in lower unit drive shaft. All of the other bearings seem very good, but like I said, there is a noticeable amount of play in the pinion shaft and drive shaft. I assume this type of wear is quite normal for the year of the unit. When do they need to be replaced? I am concerned the play will affect the gear clearances. Perhaps I am overreacting a bit as I have a tendance to want everything on my boat to be perfect. If I replace the 4 bearings that are worn, will I have to re shim? or will can I just use the same shims that are in there?
I have to admit this job has taken me further than I anticipated, but I am too far to turn around now and I figure if they need attention... now is the time. I have all winter and a nice shop to work in. I look forward to some feedback that may help me out. Thanks
