water on ujoints in damaged sterndrive?

[Kenny X]

I have a Alpha 1 Gen 2 in a 94 Bayliner 1950. I hit a submerged obeject on the river. It put a quarter-sized hole in the lower unit. The shop that took it apart said there was a lot of corrosion in the lower unit and needed replacment. They quoted me $5500.. No thanks. I ordered a whole new sterndrive. Upper and lower.<br /><br />The shop said I would need u-joints because they were sitting in water. I'm getting a new upper anyway, so this does not matter. What I am wondering is if the hole in the lower is what let water get in the upper section like that? The bellows looks good/newer.. I have had the boat 3 months so I am unsure of the history. Thanks.

 

[tommays]

Re: water on ujoints in damaged sterndrive?

there are a lot of ways water can make its way in<br /><br />your going to need a gimble bearing also<br /><br />the bellows may LOOK fine but be bad if is from 1994 its BAD<br /><br />the upper shift seals and shift cable can also let water in in a round about way <br /><br />the shift area bell houseing and water passage are suposed to sealed but gaskets and o-rings but if there not installed correctly or just reused they can let water in<br /><br />

<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Kenny X]

Re: water on ujoints in damaged sterndrive?

Thanks. I already have new gimbal bearing (and tools) on order. The bellows looks pretty new. If I use it, what is a good way to check for leaks once I'm on the water?

 

[sea wolf]

Re: water on ujoints in damaged sterndrive?

Look in the bilge for water intrusion. If your not sure how old the bellows is, I say replace it. You have the drive off anyway, so the price of the bellows is worth the piece of mind. Just my opinion.