Water intake hose leaking. How hard to fix?

[dirtyb15]

Have an alpha1 and while trying to find a different problem (boat taking on a little water) i noticed that the water hose on the outdrive was leaking. Took a closer look and it is cracked and looks pretty bad. So.... from reading it looks like everything has to come off to replace this. Might as well replace other things while I am in there right? Does anyone have a list of evertyhing that should be replaced, gaskets etc? How long should i expect this job to take? (I am mechanically inclined but boats are a little new for me.)
Thanks for any advice/tips.

Oh, also i noticed that one of the bolts that goes through the transom was dripping too (when i had water filled checking for leaks.) How are these usually sealed?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you mean the 2 lowest ones that usually have the anode attached, there corroded away. Motor comes out and transom removed and wood transom repaired.
The other items are relatively minor right now. links to manuals are still available to do the work and you can also ask here.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Install/gas/86017211.pdf

 

[tpenfield]

You should make sure that the transom is not contributing to the leak, as in it being rotted, etc.

As for the transom assembly 'stuff' . . . If the bellows are in bad or questionable shape, then go ahead and replace those. While you are there, check the trim limit and trim sender wiring to see if they look good, if not then replace those while you have got things apart.

You will need some special tools for the gimbal ring, the inlet hose and the bellows. It is best to get that service manual and read through it before you order stuff and begin.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Generally speaking, the service parts in the transom are usually included in the various 'bellows parts kits' sold. All the rubber, the gimbal bearing and gasket.

I found that when I disassembled a 20 plus year old transom the first time, I should have ordered my parts after disassembly and inspection. I tried to pre-order up what I needed and get it all done in a single weekend orgy of disassembly, clean up and assembly. But all it took was one bad bolt and a cracked fiber washer and I had to make another order to complete the job, adding to the costs. I like being prepared and blast through a job. But as the saying goes, no plan survives contact with the enema.

 

[dirtyb15]

If you mean the 2 lowest ones that usually have the anode attached, there corroded away. Motor comes out and transom removed and wood transom repaired.
The other items are relatively minor right now. links to manuals are still available to do the work and you can also ask here.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Install/gas/86017211.pdf

Thanks for the info. Yeah, its the bottom right (looking from behind the boat.) The transom was replaced about 8 years ago I think, and it really has not seen the water more than a couple times a year, really hope its not rotted out again... Any way to test without removing motor? I was able to get a good look at the bolt from the inside as well as the wood around it and it all seemed solid?

 

[Bt Doctur]

The bottom bolts for the anode are not steel, they are a soft alloy. , eaten away from no bullet zinc or improper bonding of the transom housing to the engine bond