18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

[shoemaro]

I was looking at a 18' Chaparral around a 91-94 with an outdrive problem. He had been putting gear oil in the top plug instead of the bottom plug (has a small crack in casing). It now wants to kill the engine when put in gear, it also was making a clunking noise in the foot while the engine was in nuetral. Is the lower unit completely shot, I already now it needs a new casing? Any other possible problems, the foot could have been used with low amounts of oil in it. It is a mercruiser lower, what years and kinds are interchangeable? Any help is appreciated

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

Welcome to iboats......
You will need to post your serial # or be able to identify whether you have a gen 1 or 2......
If you have a crack in the housing & it is leaking oil, that ain't good....
​

 

[shoemaro]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

I believe it is an alpha one gen 2. After looking at it a little closer it will go into gear (forward), but will not engage into reverse. Originally when he put it in gear it quit, I think it might be a cable problem. Has anyone ever tried to JB weld a crack on the foot?

 

[Don S]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

If it will go into forward and not go into reverse, you need a cable. It's worn inside and won't allow enough movement.
If the lower was run with low oil, the upper would have been dry. This usually destroys bearings and gears.
I think it's time to have the drive inspected before you go looking for a lower housing. You may just need a complete drive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

My WAGuess is,......

It'll need a New Drive(Upper,+ Lower),.......
And,.....
Atleast a New Lower Shift Cable,.........

With the Impeccable Maintance it sounds like it had......
A Full Replacement of All the Rubber Parts in the Transom is a Possibility.....

 

[shoemaro]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

what do you think was causing the motor to quit when it was put in gear?

 

[180shabah]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

what do you think was causing the motor to quit when it was put in gear?

A bad or misadjusted shift cable can stall the engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

what do you think was causing the motor to quit when it was put in gear?

Damaged gears in the lower can also stall the engine.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 18' Chaparral mercuiser outdrive problem

Also, if you do end up needing a complete drive, you can get a brand new one with a Three Year No Fault Waranty from SEI for about $1400 (less if it is a Gen1 drive).
As for interchangability, replace like with like. Gen1 with Gen1 and Gen2 with Gen2. Make sure that you get the same gear ratio you have now. If you are shopping used you will likely spend as much, or more than an SEI drive would cost, plus you won't get the warranty.

Did you already purchase this boat, or are you still shopping?