Help me do this better :)

[KRS]

I will be doing some winter maintenance, and need some help planning the project.<br /><br />I also want to be sure I have the correct parts/tools at the right time in the process.<br /><br />Background: bellows/gearset/impeller/coupler replaced in 2004 by marine mechanic.<br /><br />I will be removing my drive for painting, and I want to do as much as possible and not miss anything, so here is my list of additional items to service, please analyze and make comments:<br /><br />Impeller replacement (never done this before)<br />Drive oil change (read manual, easy)<br />Lube prop shaft (easy)<br />Lube coupler splines (looks easy)<br />Lube U-Joints (no idea how to do this)<br /><br />What else should I do while I'm at this point? If you have part numbers, please include.<br /><br />Thanks all.<br /><br />1987 16' open bow<br />Mercruiser 2.5 Liter GM 4 cyl # B57623<br />Alpha One Assembly # 0B596884<br /><br />.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Help me do this better

a couple of thoughts. seems like that would be the time to inspect the 2 year old bellows and also check the gimble brg. with yout alignment tool ya can also check the coupler alignment at this time too. ya could also be pressure checkin the drive. if it leaks down ya would have it off to inspect for where the leak is, if it has one....

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help me do this better

KRS, the U-joints should have zerk-type grease fittings on them. A standard grease gun will fit these.<br /><br />If your gear oil is not milky, the seals are fine. However, when you replace the impeller, you can remove the impeller base and replace the o-ring seal. You really need a manual for the impeller replacement. Also, the replacement kits come with extra gaskets and o rings. You need to match the new ones to the old ones, so you install the correct ones. Don't forget to lubricate the rubber impeller blades before installing the top cover, and turn the driveshaft clockwise when installing the impeler cover.

 

[Just for TRICKS]

Re: Help me do this better

Hi KRS, I have a 23' Chris Craft Scorpion (5.7 Merc - Alpha one) that I thought about painting the outdrive as well. I was just going to do it while it was still attached to the boat but now you have me thinking. What type of paint were you going to use? Would gloss black tremclad work or do you need something special? If it is not that difficult, I might pull mine off as well.

 

[KRS]

Re: Help me do this better

Chris1956... lube the impeller with what?<br /><br />Just for TRICKS... Mercruiser has a primer and paint, called Quicksilver primer and Quicksilver Phantom Black, both are spray paints. Look for them under the Quicksilver brand name, they're made for mercruiser drives.

 

[Just for TRICKS]

Re: Help me do this better

Thanks for the info KRS. Keep us posted on the project. Good Luck. The weather here is still a little to cold for me to work out in my shed. I am going to wait for spring before I tackle the job.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Help me do this better

krs, i'm thinkin the lub chris1956 is talkin about is soap and water on the impeller blades to help ya slide the impeller housing over the impeller blades. (hope he'll correct me if he had something else in mind) that's where the turning it helps too. do get the specs before ya tighten the impeller houseing cover ontoit. i suspect that those bolts don't get torqued down very much. <br />good point chris about the lub. if it's normal, i suppose ya can assume that the seals are fine. seems like a pressure test would confirm that if a person was so inclind. i don't know, perhaps that's wasteing time too.. <br />since yer gonna do the impeller ya can inspect yer drive shaft for seal wear too. the one in the impeller houseing base and the one thats in the upper, just below the splines on the driveshaft....

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Help me do this better

Definately check engine alignment and the gimble bearing.