A short background: I am a newbie to I/O drives. I recently purchased a new to me 1985 Thundercraft with a Mercruiser 470 / Alpha One power unit a few weeks ago. Being somewhat mechanically inclined, I wasn't afraid to remove the outdrive and take it apart to replace the impeller. And as I fully expect when buying old used equipment, there is always more then meets the eye. I'm replacing the bellows and trim sensors while I have it all apart. The exhaust bellows wasn't in the best of condition.
So, anyway, a day ago I came across some good advice from achris that the water pocket cover should be replaced if it has been melted due to overly hot exhaust gas. I started searching about it and was dismayed about what I read, so tonight I thought I'd take the outdrive apart again to have a better look at this water pocket. (I had noticed it was surface blistered when I did the impeller) I had originally planned to find a way to pressure it to see if the existing one leaked, assuming the worst that the bolts that hold it in would be seized. Well, I figured what would it hurt to see if they budged... surprise! All four bolts moved very easily (Thank God!) I was expecting them to be frozen from what I've read.
My question to you experienced mechanics: should these bolts be removed and cleaned along with the bi-annual impeller replacement to keep them from corroding in place? Is there a type of lubricant that should be put on the threads to prevent/slow down the corrosion? I've read to not use what I use on cars....
Thanks so much.
So, anyway, a day ago I came across some good advice from achris that the water pocket cover should be replaced if it has been melted due to overly hot exhaust gas. I started searching about it and was dismayed about what I read, so tonight I thought I'd take the outdrive apart again to have a better look at this water pocket. (I had noticed it was surface blistered when I did the impeller) I had originally planned to find a way to pressure it to see if the existing one leaked, assuming the worst that the bolts that hold it in would be seized. Well, I figured what would it hurt to see if they budged... surprise! All four bolts moved very easily (Thank God!) I was expecting them to be frozen from what I've read.
My question to you experienced mechanics: should these bolts be removed and cleaned along with the bi-annual impeller replacement to keep them from corroding in place? Is there a type of lubricant that should be put on the threads to prevent/slow down the corrosion? I've read to not use what I use on cars....
Thanks so much.
