I could use some in help solving the problem I've created and I'd appreciate any input.
First, the background. I purchased a 94 Maxum 2700 that was in average condition back in May of this year. It was in good working condition during the survey, but I knew I wanted to make sure it was capable and seaworthy to reach dive sites off the east coast. There was not much history available on the boat. I consider myself good with tools as I've done a lot of different mechanical projects in the past.
Now to the story. I've replaced a lot of the engine parts and converted it to a closed cooling system. I used it a few times over the summer and eventually discovered it was leaking a small amount of water from the transom. Not much for a day out, but nothing you'd want to overnight on. I decided to replace all the bellows, gimbal bearing, water hose, trim senders, and shift cable on the Bravo 2 outdrive. I did not use OEM parts and maybe that's a big part of my problem. I have a service manual and I thought I followed the directions correctly. When I finished and put the boat into the water it was leaking way worse than before I started. The job didn't sound that difficult and I felt like I did everything right, but clearly I screwed the pooch on this one. Afterwards, when I pulled the lower unit, there was water in the u-joint bellow and the exhaust bellow. I'm not sure yet about the shift cable bellow. I used bellows adhesive and followed the manual. I cleaned and removed all corrosion before reassembly. I'm completely frustrated with how I messed this up, as I'm usually good at fixing things. I am curious as to why there is no gasket between the drive housing and the gimbal housing. Other than the orings around the water hose, shift cable, and oil line, there is nothing to keep water out. What seals the water from entering the u-joint bellow? My though was that the drive shaft housing is pressed (when tightened) into the end of u-joint bellow and that is what seals it.
Any insight into what I did or didn't do is much appreciated. Thanks
First, the background. I purchased a 94 Maxum 2700 that was in average condition back in May of this year. It was in good working condition during the survey, but I knew I wanted to make sure it was capable and seaworthy to reach dive sites off the east coast. There was not much history available on the boat. I consider myself good with tools as I've done a lot of different mechanical projects in the past.
Now to the story. I've replaced a lot of the engine parts and converted it to a closed cooling system. I used it a few times over the summer and eventually discovered it was leaking a small amount of water from the transom. Not much for a day out, but nothing you'd want to overnight on. I decided to replace all the bellows, gimbal bearing, water hose, trim senders, and shift cable on the Bravo 2 outdrive. I did not use OEM parts and maybe that's a big part of my problem. I have a service manual and I thought I followed the directions correctly. When I finished and put the boat into the water it was leaking way worse than before I started. The job didn't sound that difficult and I felt like I did everything right, but clearly I screwed the pooch on this one. Afterwards, when I pulled the lower unit, there was water in the u-joint bellow and the exhaust bellow. I'm not sure yet about the shift cable bellow. I used bellows adhesive and followed the manual. I cleaned and removed all corrosion before reassembly. I'm completely frustrated with how I messed this up, as I'm usually good at fixing things. I am curious as to why there is no gasket between the drive housing and the gimbal housing. Other than the orings around the water hose, shift cable, and oil line, there is nothing to keep water out. What seals the water from entering the u-joint bellow? My though was that the drive shaft housing is pressed (when tightened) into the end of u-joint bellow and that is what seals it.
Any insight into what I did or didn't do is much appreciated. Thanks