Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

[evanhoven]

I am getting small amounts of water in one of my outdrives. Pressure test and vacumn test are negative. The water pump seals have been changed. Mercury tech says it could be a "dynamic torque" problem, ie, under load the shafts push against the seals and allow water in, he suggests changing all seals. Has anyone experienced this problem?

 

[johnkc]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

how old? gen1 or gen2 ? do you change the seal washers on the drain and vent plugs every time they are removed ? cheap ins.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

Hello<br /> it may be time to reseal the upper and lower . but it may also be that you really cannot flush all the disolored oil from the unit. you may be looking at discolored oil from a previous problem. but if it is a seal my guess would be the upper driveshaft housing seals on the lower unit. especially on a gen II that has not had the carrier assy changed with regular water pump changes. dont belive the sales hype about a lifetime floppy vane do all never break impeller.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[evanhoven]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

It is a 2001 Gen 11. Drain plug seals have been changed, the only other seals that have been changed are the seals at the water pump

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

Sandlot,how much water are we talking about??Do you change the drive oil in the fall or spring.Where do you store the drive.I am asking because it may be something as simple as condensation.Charlie

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

Sandlot you mention that impeller pump seals had been changed, did you or shop use Merc seals, I ask this because I once used a after market impeller kit and seals, they leaked because the seals were a bit bigger than Merc, I'v stuck with merc parts ever since, another issue you may have is a prop that is out of balance slightly and may cause the shaft to wobble a tiny bit, it is possible you don't get any vibration, but just enough wobble to let water past seal, have you changed , dinged or had a prop repaired lately?

 

[evanhoven]

Re: Water in Alpha 1 outdrives

CC - The boat is stored in the water. I think we can discount condensation, it's quite a bit of water and it showed up after a four hour cruise.<br /><br />NE - Thats a good point about the seals, I'll ask that question. The prop appears to be in pristine condition. I guess I should have mentioned that I bought the boat when it was two years old but it only had 56 hours on it.