First time boat owner with questions about 1998 Starcraft 1810 LX

[Wolfgheist]

Although replacing manifolds and changing fluids and other sorts of maintenance need to be done, it seems to me the #1 concern should be figuring out why you have so much water in your boat. If you discover a serious problem (e.g., a rotten transom), all those other become somewhat moot until you fix the boat or part it out.

At some point, the boat needs to be back in the water so you can try to find where the water's coming from. Also at some point, you'll need to figure out how to pull the drive so you can check the bellows, etc. Both of these need to be done, and I'm not sure it makes much difference in which order.

It's not 100% necessary that the drive is completely lowered to pull it. It does, however, make it much, much easier. (The real advantage in having the drive lowered comes when putting it back on; that's no fun if the trailer is too low.)

My trailer is sufficiently low that I cannot lower my drive completely - not even close - even if I lower the trailer tongue all the way. I just put a jack stand under the trailer tongue, then use bottle jacks to jack up the rear corners of the trailer until the back end of the boat is high enough for me lower the drive all the way. I then put jack stands under the rear corners of the trailer and pull the drive. The entire process, including pulling the drive, takes maybe 15 minutes.

If it were me, I'd figure out the water intrusion before spending a dime on new parts.

Cannot find anyone affordable with time to look at the boat for several weeks, so will do what I can on my own. One of the guys told me to just fill the engine compartment with water to see where it leaks out, versus putting it in water and trying to see where it is coming in. He said just be sure I do not get water up to the starter or the starter will get ruined.

Is this legit advice?

 

[Wolfgheist]

I always use OEM for things like driveshaft bellows and raw water impellers, these are parts that you want to fit right and work right. If not expensive problems happen and you get to fix it twice.

So this kit that costs 4x as much?

https://www.amazon.com/Quicksilver-Stern-Transom-Repair-803099T1/dp/B001HBSY36/ref=asc_df_B001HBSY36/

This is the correct kit for my drive right?

 

[Wolfgheist]

Is this the correct impeller kit for my drive?

Amazon.com

 

[poconojoe]

I'm not sure if this was stated or not.... I looked back and can't find it or more than likely I missed it....was it confirmed that you have a Alpha 1 Gen 2?

 

[poconojoe]

Those might be the correct ones, but their descriptions are too vague. Unless you are armed with the correct part numbers, I wouldn't risk it.

Here's what I would suggest:
Use your drive's serial number to find the exact part numbers needed. That's the most guaranteed way to get a match.

If you can confirm exactly which drive it is, you may be able to search the parts that way too. But, serial number is the best way.

Check out iboats for parts. I'm not sure of the amount, but you'll get a member discount. Plus you'll be supporting the forums.

 

[Lou C]

So this kit that costs 4x as much?

https://www.amazon.com/Quicksilver-Stern-Transom-Repair-803099T1/dp/B001HBSY36/ref=asc_df_B001HBSY36/

This is the correct kit for my drive right?

I'm not a Merc guy so I'll let them respond, but I can tell you that for my OMC Cobra just the 2 bellows & gasket alone is approx $120. Keep in mind though once this is replaced, they are good for at least 5 years, and the only thing you replace once a year is the gasket between the drive and the transom mount. Also Amazon is not always the cheapest. I use marineengine.com for parts, they sell both OEM and aftermarket, I use OEM for critical parts and aftermarket for non-critical or for items where the OEM is NLA.
Also, nothing wrong with patronizing your local Merc dealer, when I had an OMC dealer I always got parts from them, and the mechanics also gave me some good free advice every year.

 

[poconojoe]

Pretty puzzling that one bellows kit is only $72 and the OEM kit is $236, huh?
Everywhere I look, the prices are around that $236 mark.
For $72, I'd stay away...

 

[poconojoe]

I'm not a Merc guy so I'll let them respond, but I can tell you that for my OMC Cobra just the 2 bellows & gasket alone is approx $120. Keep in mind though once this is replaced, they are good for at least 5 years, and the only thing you replace once a year is the gasket between the drive and the transom mount. Also Amazon is not always the cheapest. I use marineengine.com for parts, they sell both OEM and aftermarket, I use OEM for critical parts and aftermarket for non-critical or for items where the OEM is NLA.

@Lou C statement is spot on. Great advice!

 

[Wolfgheist]

I'm not sure if this was stated or not.... I looked back and can't find it or more than likely I missed it....was it confirmed that you have a Alpha 1 Gen 2?

When I search by Serial, this is the information I get.

MERCRUISER : 4.3L (GEN +) (2 BBL.) GM 262 V-6 1998​

 

[Wolfgheist]

Those might be the correct ones, but their descriptions are too vague. Unless you are armed with the correct part numbers, I wouldn't risk it.

Here's what I would suggest:
Use your drive's serial number to find the exact part numbers needed. That's the most guaranteed way to get a match.

If you can confirm exactly which drive it is, you may be able to search the parts that way too. But, serial number is the best way.

Check out iboats for parts. I'm not sure of the amount, but you'll get a member discount. Plus you'll be supporting the forums.

I cannot find a mercruiser bellows kit on iboat. Only OMC.

 

[poconojoe]

When I search by Serial, this is the information I get.

MERCRUISER : 4.3L (GEN +) (2 BBL.) GM 262 V-6 1998​

They started the gen 2 in 1991. Since it's a 1998, I guess you do indeed have an Alpha 1 Gen 2.

 

[poconojoe]

Looks like this is your bellows kit part number....

30-803099T1​

 

[poconojoe]

If you are doing the bellows and gimbal bearing yourself, you'll need a few specialty tools and the step by step manual from Mercruiser.

It's not an easy task for a first timer. I did my first and only one a few years ago. It was a bit challenging.

Flexible ratchet extensions were helpful. An alignment tool is absolutely neccessary. There are tools for removal and install of the gimbal bearing and a few specialty tools for installing the bellows.

While you have it apart, it's advisable to replace the lower shift cable. If you change that, tie a wire or strong string to the old one before you pull it out. Use the wire or string to pull the new one in. It's critical that it follows the correct path.

The impeller kit was pretty easy though.

 

[Wolfgheist]

If you are doing the bellows and gimbal bearing yourself, you'll need a few specialty tools and the step by step manual from Mercruiser.

It's not an easy task for a first timer. I did my first and only one a few years ago. It was a bit challenging.

Flexible ratchet extensions were helpful. An alignment tool is absolutely neccessary. There are tools for removal and install of the gimbal bearing and a few specialty tools for installing the bellows.

While you have it apart, it's advisable to replace the lower shift cable. If you change that, tie a wire or strong string to the old one before you pull it out. Use the wire or string to pull the new one in. It's critical that it follows the correct path.

The impeller kit was pretty easy though.

Other than the alignment tool, what other specialty tool(s) would be needed? I have a fairly extensive set of tools for Home construction, automotive, motorcycles, 4 wheelers, bicycles etc...

 

[Wolfgheist]

If you are doing the bellows and gimbal bearing yourself, you'll need a few specialty tools and the step by step manual from Mercruiser.

It's not an easy task for a first timer. I did my first and only one a few years ago. It was a bit challenging.

Flexible ratchet extensions were helpful. An alignment tool is absolutely neccessary. There are tools for removal and install of the gimbal bearing and a few specialty tools for installing the bellows.

While you have it apart, it's advisable to replace the lower shift cable. If you change that, tie a wire or strong string to the old one before you pull it out. Use the wire or string to pull the new one in. It's critical that it follows the correct path.

The impeller kit was pretty easy though.

This tool?

https://www.amazon.com/Outdrive-Coupler-Alignment-Mercruiser-Cobra/dp/B07BKTVL9T

 

[KJM]

By the way, welcome to the world of boating......having second thoughts yet?

 

[poconojoe]

When I did mine, I bought a whole kit with most of special tools needed. There are some you can fabricate. Details are in the stickies, the yellow area above each section.

MUST HAVE Technical Information for DIYers.

MUST HAVE Technical Information for DIYers. (< An @ Work Safe Search Version Of ^^^) If you have NEVER posted in this forum before, please click on How to ask a question link first. 1. How to Ask a Question .... Please Read This Before Posting A Question... 2. Miscellaneous Mercruiser...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Wolfgheist]

By the way, welcome to the world of boating......having second thoughts yet?

A bit overwhelming at the moment, just need to figure everything out and get rolling.

 

[poconojoe]

Too much to list.
Click the link to that sticky in my last post. Post #57.
A lot to read there.
Scroll down to find threads pertaining to your setup.
There's also a section that lists the tools needed for specific jobs. And sections on fabricating homemade tools.
The stickies are an amazing collection that are a wealth of information.

 

[poconojoe]

A bit overwhelming at the moment, just need to figure everything out and get rolling.

The ultimate main thing is safety.
Make sure the boat is safe and you have a good handle on things before taking on passengers.
Things can get real ugly real quick.