2006 4.3 merc drive leak

[crownline180br]

Hello, newbee to the forum, here is my long story, last fall I bought a 2006 crownline 4.3 merc alpha one with 170 hours, after 2 rides I found out a bellow was cracked and it damaged the gimball bearing, I had this fixed at the local merc dealer last fall 800$. Got the drive winterized at the same time since winter was coming.

This spring I got the boat out and the drive oil reservoir was empty and the bildge was plenty of drive oil, brought the boat back to the dealer and they said there was a bad install on a seal they changed?? Got the boat back,now oil in reservoir is dropping half an inch each ride but no oil in bildge.

Brought the boat back again and now the dealer tells me they need to change a seal in the transmission system (1200$ !!) Now I am totally lost,I am used to do all my repair on my cars and toys but the drive system scares me a little, now I just don't know if I can thrust them ?

Please help !!
thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

Pull the outdrive and look for oil in the bellows. I doubt you will find it full of oil.
Sounds more like the hose for the reservoir is off the fitting inside the boat. I would sure check that first.

 

[crownline180br]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

thanks, that's probablly whet they found the first time, I forgot to say there is a vibration now at 3000rpm that wasn't there before if that can give you a clue.

thanks again

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

Time to find a new shop! Just because it's a dealer doesn't mean anybody competent works there. Most independants do FAR better work than dealers do.

 

[fossill]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

I agree. Whatever happened to "fix it right first time."
I can accept a defect in something causing you to come back a second time, but what you are experiencing is unacceptable. Depending on how mechanically capable and experienced you are, I'd buy the tools required and fix it myself and spend the saved money on gas or beer. I looked through the drive repair manual and they are not any more complex than a vehicle transmission or differential. Just depends on what your comfortable with.

 

[crownline180br]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

thanks guys, you just gave me the kick to get into this, first I need to get a shop manual on my father's day wish list, I will let you know how it turn out.

 

[Don S]

Re: 2006 4.3 merc drive leak

You can download the OEM manuals for free, just go up to the Adults only sticky (First thread in this forum) and go to the service manual link.