Looking for some help from the collective on a new project.
I just picked up a 1979 Glasply Cuddy with 305 V8 and 800 Stringer sterndrive (no selectrim). Before buying, I read and researched a bunch and know that these drives are a weak link, but also that they are functional when treated well and maintained. I don't have a lot of boat repair experience, but have been wrenching on my own cars for 25 years and am always up for a challenge. I don;t mind taking on a project, gives me something to work on when I need a break.
The prior owner had only taken the boat out a few times and spent most of his energy replacing the exhaust manifolds and other tune-up stuff. On his last trip, the drive didn't go down fully, he didn't realize it and ran it for a little while, then it started stalling the engine when in gear. Engine ran fine in neutral. Says he heard some "noises".
Before I start tearing into the drive, I wanted to ask for guidance on how to asses the current unit so I can decide on whether to focus my energy on sourcing a good used replacement to get me on the water.
I'm guessing the clutch didn't work properly. Prior owner already opened it up as the cover was unbolted when I purchased it, so don;t know if it had water in it or not. The cover to the tilt motor shaft was also off and I can pull the gear out of the housing. Will see if I can upload some pics to show you current state. The gears seem OK, no teeth broken.
Before I spend any $$ getting the tilt system up and running, I want to determine what else might have been damaged to cause the drive to bind. What should I look for? Are there quick tests I can run without the engine running to diagnose while it's all still together or should I pull the drive from the intermediate housing and start my work there?
Also, I have the Seloc manual, but it's not great. I found some shop manuals on ebay that are dated 1983. Will those manuals properly cover previous models like mine? I know there was a change from hydro-mechanical to mechanical between 1979-1983, so want to make sure I get the right one.
Thanks in advance for the help.
I just picked up a 1979 Glasply Cuddy with 305 V8 and 800 Stringer sterndrive (no selectrim). Before buying, I read and researched a bunch and know that these drives are a weak link, but also that they are functional when treated well and maintained. I don't have a lot of boat repair experience, but have been wrenching on my own cars for 25 years and am always up for a challenge. I don;t mind taking on a project, gives me something to work on when I need a break.
The prior owner had only taken the boat out a few times and spent most of his energy replacing the exhaust manifolds and other tune-up stuff. On his last trip, the drive didn't go down fully, he didn't realize it and ran it for a little while, then it started stalling the engine when in gear. Engine ran fine in neutral. Says he heard some "noises".
Before I start tearing into the drive, I wanted to ask for guidance on how to asses the current unit so I can decide on whether to focus my energy on sourcing a good used replacement to get me on the water.
I'm guessing the clutch didn't work properly. Prior owner already opened it up as the cover was unbolted when I purchased it, so don;t know if it had water in it or not. The cover to the tilt motor shaft was also off and I can pull the gear out of the housing. Will see if I can upload some pics to show you current state. The gears seem OK, no teeth broken.
Before I spend any $$ getting the tilt system up and running, I want to determine what else might have been damaged to cause the drive to bind. What should I look for? Are there quick tests I can run without the engine running to diagnose while it's all still together or should I pull the drive from the intermediate housing and start my work there?
Also, I have the Seloc manual, but it's not great. I found some shop manuals on ebay that are dated 1983. Will those manuals properly cover previous models like mine? I know there was a change from hydro-mechanical to mechanical between 1979-1983, so want to make sure I get the right one.
Thanks in advance for the help.