Pre-Alpha Rehab

[LostTexan]

Good Evening All,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

This summer I acquired a 1968 Bertram 25 with twin Merc 165s and 1978ish R drives. I knew it would be a lot of work and money, but I am doing all my own maintenance and I've got a good shop I use at work and some mechanics close at hand.

The engines are in decent shape, and were rebuilt 4 and 7 years ago respectively. They run well enough for me right now.

Both drives seem to need some love so I decided to tear em apart for inspection and new oil seals, gaskets, impellers.

I replaced the driveshaft housing oil seal on this one earlier in the fall so its not my first time getting the drive open.

Anyways, here's the kicker.

Opened up the starboard drive, and I noticed the input shaft gear had some serious chunks out of the teeth!



Here are a few relevant (maybe) notes:
-Boat seems to have been maintained VERY well until recently.
-There was evidence of some water intrusion before I replaced the oil seals this fall.
-I found NO shims in the input shaft gear/bearing assembly. Is it possible it didn't need any or are shims pretty much always required for the right gear mesh?
-Bearings are pretty tired, I wasn't able to achieve the spec rolling torque.
-Moderate amount of metal particles on the drain plug at last oil drain.

I plan on replacing the gear and bearings, but what could have caused this? I don't want to eat up my new gears.

Any input yall can provide will be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm not planning on a full reman of these drives, just enough to last me the next 3 years or so until I can afford new/reman/SEI drives.

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

Good Evening All,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

This summer I acquired a 1968 Bertram 25 with twin Merc 165s and 1978ish R drives. I knew it would be a lot of work and money, but I am doing all my own maintenance and I've got a good shop I use at work and some mechanics close at hand.

The engines are in decent shape, and were rebuilt 4 and 7 years ago respectively. They run well enough for me right now.

Both drives seem to need some love so I decided to tear em apart for inspection and new oil seals, gaskets, impellers.

I replaced the driveshaft housing oil seal on this one earlier in the fall so its not my first time getting the drive open.

Anyways, here's the kicker.

Opened up the starboard drive, and I noticed the input shaft gear had some serious chunks out of the teeth!



Here are a few relevant (maybe) notes:
-Boat seems to have been maintained VERY well until recently.
-There was evidence of some water intrusion before I replaced the oil seals this fall.
-I found NO shims in the input shaft gear/bearing assembly. Is it possible it didn't need any or are shims pretty much always required for the right gear mesh?
-Bearings are pretty tired, I wasn't able to achieve the spec rolling torque.
-Moderate amount of metal particles on the drain plug at last oil drain.

I plan on replacing the gear and bearings, but what could have caused this? I don't want to eat up my new gears.

Any input yall can provide will be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm not planning on a full reman of these drives, just enough to last me the next 3 years or so until I can afford new/reman/SEI drives.

Thanks!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Sometimes things just, Happen,....

It looks like a chunk got knocked off a gear, 'n took a few with it on it's way to becomin' powder,...

For the price of a new matched gear set, much less the bearin's,.....
Ya oughta reconsider yer timeline on that new SEI outdrive,...

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

All that ground up metal floatin' around in there probably didn't do much good for the lower gears, either. Probably wont be long before they are toast, too (sadly).

 

[tazrig]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

I think the new SEI drives are $1,500 each and come with a 3 year warranty.

 

[achris]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

There should always be some shims in behind the drive gear. If they are gone (no idea how?) then that could account for the damage. BUT, and it's a biggy.... To buy the new gears, bearings, shims and tools to set just the top box up again, you would have to outlay more than a new SEI drive, complete. For in-line 6 '165's, the correct ratio is 1.65:1. (New drive will most likely be 1.62:1, but no big deal)...

Chris......

Gear set (Sierra) $335
Drive bearing kit (Sierra) $142
Driven bearing (Mallory) $35
Seal set (Sierra) $40
Tool A (Sierra) $171
Tool B (Sierra) $294
Special Spanner (Sierra) $89
TOTAL = $1106
New top box from SEI = $645

Bit of a 'no-brainer' I would think... And taking into consideration what KTB said (and I agree) you'd be spending $1100 on parts and tools for the top only, another $200 gets you a complete drive.

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

I think the new SEI drives are $1,500 each and come with a 3 year warranty.

I've used them twice and it is a no fault warranty for those three years.

 

[LostTexan]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Sometimes things just, Happen,....

It looks like a chunk got knocked off a gear, 'n took a few with it on it's way to becomin' powder,...

For the price of a new matched gear set, much less the bearin's,.....
Ya oughta reconsider yer timeline on that new SEI outdrive,...

Alright, thanks everyone for the input.

I don't think I can do the SEI drive right now. Saving for getting married in June and honeymooning and moving.

Guess I should just put it back together best I can and run it until it breaks or I can buy an SEI.

Would replacing the top only be a bad idea?

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

I think SEI also does gears/part. Might save a few bucks. Not sure i'd put back together like that.

 

[achris]

Re: Pre-Alpha Rehab

....Would replacing the top only be a bad idea?

Yes... Read this reply to understand why...