Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

[MtnBoater]

This relates to my other post from a moment ago about re-filling my outdrive.

Before I re-fill my outdrive with oil, I am debating whether or not to completely dissassemble the outdrive like Don S recommends. I know it is probably the best thing to do, but I was wondering how many really do it.

So, who just drains and re-fills and who completely takes these suckers apart?

Also, for those that don't turn their own wrenches, do the shops completely dissassemble these as part of winterization?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

No, the only time you need to pull it apart is to replace the impeller, (recommend every 2-3 years) depending on use....
Unless you have water intrusion or seal failure issues.....​

 

[John_S]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

If you meant pull the outdrive vs leave it on the boat, I pull mine. You can then change impeller (if its time), touch-up paint any scars from the seasons use, etc. It also makes it easy to inspect the bellows and to check engine alignment. If boat is stored in an outdoor accessable location, it is also a theft deterant. (can't steal a drive that not there)

 

[billbayliner]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

I pull my Alpha 1 gen 2 drive every year. I do this to check for water in bellow, check the feel of the gimble bearing, and check alignment.

I pressure test the outdrive and keep the drive in the garage. The boat is stored outside.

Bill

 

[MtnBoater]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

Do you store your pulled drive full of new oil, or fully drained?

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

Before I re-fill my outdrive with oil, I am debating whether or not to completely dissassemble the outdrive like Don S recommends.

Where and WHEN did I recommend completely dissassembling the outdrive????? I looked at the winterizing post pined at the top and the closest I could find was this:

NOTE: For those with Mercruiser Alpha drives. If you are planning on changing the impeller, now is the time to do it. Since you must remove the lower unit to get to the pump, no reason to put in new gear lube till it's done.

That is NOT complete dissassembly. Just that if it's time to change the impeller, do it now, not put new oil in, then loose it when you want to change that same impeller in the spring.

As far a storing with or without oil. FILL IT. Then you won't forget about it in the spring.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

also by putting the oil in . All moisture will be removed that might have crept in preventing futher problems.

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

If you have a question, start a new thread, don't just change the subject on an old thread.
It won't be long till the new replies are to the original post because no one sees yours way down here.

 

[thisuldoit]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

Don S and HauntMerdoc....

Let me get this straight. You can remove the outdrive and store it inside during the winter without damaging the housing that is left on the boat? I store my boat out in the open (with a cover over the main part of the boat) and I was concerned that the housing that is left when I remove the outdrive could get leaves/water/etc in it?

 

[skeat]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

You should remove the drive every year as others have mentioned for inspection but also because the driveshaft universal has to be lubricated and this is the only way to get to it. In fact the mfg's recommend to do this every 50 hours so if you use your boat alot you could be removing it more than once a season.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?

The housing wont be damaged. Just cover it with a plastic bag to keep any water out.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Winterizing...how many dissassemble outdrive?


They do sell a cover for it for like $10 or so....
I just stuff a rag in there.....