Mercruiser outdrive

[dhammann]

I have been told that I need to remove my outdrive from my 3.0 1989 mercruiser in order to grease the drive coupling. My question is: There are 3 zerk fittings on the gimbal ring one at 12:00 o'clock and one at 6:00 o'clock for the top and bottom gimbal bearing. However there is a fitting at 3:00 o'clock which I believe is for the drive coupling. When I put grease in it I can not feel any resistance but the grease has to be going somewhere... could someone enlighten me?

 

[bertherr]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

It is the universal joints that are accessed by removing the outdrive. This should be done on an annual basis to keep from having to replace the u-joints. When you remove the outdrive you will see a bearing up in the gimble. This is what you grease with the fitting on the starboard side.<br />I had a 17' SeaRay with a 3.0L Merc. I used a two speed prop on it from Quicksilver. It starts out at a 15" pitch and then shifts to a 21" pitch. It works just like an automatic transmission. It makes it feel like you added four more cylinders. I sold the boat without the prop. Contact me if you would be interested. bert.herr@perkinelmer.com Bert.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

Fitting at 12:00 is for gimble housing to turn. Fitting at 3:00 is for greasing the gimble bearing . Also grease the two fittings at the trim sender and trim limit switches which are located next to the plastic covers where the drive tilts up and down/ one on each side.<br /><br />Depends on which drive you have if you have to pull it to grease the drive shaft. They changed somewhere around that year to a grease fitting on the coupling inside the boat and the u-joints in the drive were no longer greaseable (look for a grease fitting on the coupler). If not pull the drive (no big deal). You need to grease the u-joints if able. Grease the drive shaft and pull the prop and grease the propshaft. This would be a good time to check driveshaft alignment. As over time the little 3.0 rear engine mounts tend to sag a little and cause mis-alignment sometimes. If you pull the drive you will need a new gasket set which cost about five bucks from NAPA. If you need the part number let me know. Trentcr@hotmail.com

 

[dhammann]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

Thanks guys for the info. I am going to pull the drive because this has never been done. I have never done this before so guess I'll learn as I go. The drive has been making some noise for the past several years when the drive is steered to it's extreme. I did not know NAPA sold marine parts--good to know

 

[bertherr]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

The noise you hear, when turning, could very well be from worn u-joints. I also had my alignment checked and adjusted. This also made it sound and feel smoother. Bert

 

[barterj]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

bert herr, please post more information on this two speed prop you mentioned. I also have Sea Ray 170 with a 3.0L merc and I am looking for more low end. I bought a new prop last year and that helped a lot. I need to buy a new one because I broke that same new prop last year. I was also looking at hydrofoils. Have any experience with hydrofoils? Thanks.

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive

There were two important Mercruiser maintenance tips brought up here that are probably worth repeating. First the splines on the drive shaft need to be greased and second engine alignment needs to be checked periodically. Lack of lubrication and engine misalignment are the two main causes of engine coupler failure. This is a fairly expensive thing to repair so it is worth the effort in preventive maintenance.