73' Merc 120/140 I/O removal impossible?

[Fordiesel69]

On the older merc drives I was told they use a cotter pin in order to get the outdrive off to change the bellows, and on the newer 80's vintage they screw in some how. This shop stated on the older drives, tools are hard to come by to dismantle it, and even with tools labor would be high because it likely won;t come apart very well. Is this true?

 

[JustJason]

Re: 73' Merc 120/140 I/O removal impossible?

uhmm... they use special aluminum nails to hold the bell housing pivot pins in place. But Its not a cotter pin.

As far as the tools go... you need a bellows expander, and some band aides.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: 73' Merc 120/140 I/O removal impossible?

So if all else checks out ok the bellows will last about 2 more years I estimate. Is this something I should avoid buying, being it using nails over the newer design? Sorry for being dumb.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: 73' Merc 120/140 I/O removal impossible?

outdrive comes off with the six nuts and forward gear.the bell comes off by unbending the nails and removing them then pull the pins out.

 

[JustJason]

Re: 73' Merc 120/140 I/O removal impossible?

Is this something I should avoid buying, being it using nails over the newer design? Sorry for being dumb.

Nothing dumb about it. Dumb is thinking you know an answer to a question that you don't and not asking somebody.

If this is something your considering buying, i might suggest looking for something newer. It is very much a buyers market with boats right now.
And on a 73, eventually something is going to break down the line that you cannot source a part for, or, parts can be rediculousy expensive.