Changing the gimbal bearing on my 1973 MC-1 outdrive. After pulling the bearing and oil seal, I discovered a second oil seal behind the first one. Is this normal? I've looked at exploded view drawings in both of my Mercruiser manuals and don't see anything about having 2 oil seals. I was able to...
I'm about to try and tackle replacing the gimbal bearing on my 1974 Mercruiser 165 with the MC-1 drive. I've looked over the stickies, have some good repair manuals, and pretty good mechanical experience. Any advice for a first timer like me before I get in too deep? I'm trying to avoid a $600...
The past 2 years I have had my boat winterized at the same shop. They charge $200 for the service. After talking to them about their winterizing process, all they do is fog the motor when it's up to temp and remove the plugs and hoses from the block to let any water drain. They do NOT use...
Took my 1971 Aristocraft to the shop to seek out an ignition issue. Found out the ignition coil was bad (only 1 year old). It has a Mercruiser 165 straight 6 engine. My question is this: does this motor use a ballast resistor for the ignition coil? If so, where should it be located? I'm thinking...
I have an early 70's model Aristocraft 19 with a Mercruiser 165 and a Pre-Alpha outdrive. This past season, the reverse gear went out. We tried cable adjustment, cable replacement, etc. to no avail. Finally, I decided to have it looked at by a mechanic and it was determined that the clutch in...
1971 Aristocraft with a Mercruiser 165 Pre Alpha/ Just discovered this week that my trim pump will no longer work in the UP/OUT position. The solenoid clicks and the motor makes a noise, but it will not push any fluid. I checked the fluid level, have taken the pump out, cleared the lines, and...
I have a 73 model Aristocraft with a Mercruiser 165 inline 6. Recently I have been having issues with it not starting or dying after running for a few minutes. I am sure the problem is electrical, but I need some direction. First the problem was a loose wire at the ignition switch keeping the...
I have a 1971 model Mercruiser 165 with a Series 1 out drive. The drive has a reverse lock system. I had the rear shift cable replaced a few months ago and out of the blue I have not been able to engage reverse. Could my reverse lock assembly be the culprit? I find it hard to believe that after...
I am in search of the sliding hard top for an Aristocraft 19. I have a 1971 Model but the hard top was the same design and dimensions for many years. Can anyone help me with this? I live in Memphis, TN and am willing to travel within reason. Has anyone seen one or know of anyone who has one? Any...
Okay iBoats family, another issue with my boat.
I had the lower shift cable replaced 3 months ago to my Pre-Alpha Inline 6 (Mercruiser 165) boat. It worked fine and shifted into and out of reverse as it should after replacement of the cable. The boat has been out maybe half a dozen times, and I...
I have an early 70's model (74 I believe according to the serial number).
I noticed the other day that the bolt and bracket holding the distributor down were both loose and the distributor moved freely - therefore the motor is now out of the appropriate timing. I have a Mercruiser Shop Manual...
I have an early 70s model Mercruiser 165 inline 6 sterndrive on my boat. Intermittently, I have trouble keeping the motor cooled down. I recently had a brand new impeller installed in the outdrive so I know that is not the problem - it pumps water perfectly. It is a water cooled system (no...
I have a 19' foot Aristocraft with a Mercruiser 165 and a pre-alpha outdrive on it. The outdrive serial number dates it from around 1974-75. I had a 17 inch pitch on it and it would only allow it to run about 27 mph at WOT. I believe the previous owner used the boat for skiing. I, on the other...
I recently had the outdrive on my early 70s model Mercruiser 165 completely resealed. The outdrive is a Pre-Alpha (R, MR, I Series). All seals in the upper and lower unit have been replaced with new OEM seals. The carrier assembly for the lower unit was replaced, the carrier seal, as well as the...
I have a leak in my mercruiser pre alpha outdrive. I drained the gear oil, pressure tested, changed out o-rings on the vent and drain plugs, and it still won't hold pressure. I replaced the gear oil and ran the motor last night with the hose and noticed warm exhaust water coming from where my...