annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

[ranchos]

How tuff of a job is the annual inspection of 2005/4.3L/alpha1gen2 "u-joints, splines & bellows--engine alignment---u-joint splines"? need to do this service myself in todays economy---any help/headsup--greatly appreciated--

 

[Fishermark]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

Pulling the drive is not difficult and is easily done by anyone with at least some mechanical skill . You will need to buy the alignment tool - you can find them on ebay for $50 give or take. Head up to the top to the Adults Only sticky and you will see where you can download a manual to help. Ask here if you have any specific questions.

 

[ranchos]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

merc, calls for this as annual inspection, engine has only 57hours on it, no current problems, no slow speed trolling, fresh h20 only, have manuals, is it best to leave it alone, august 09 unit will be 4years old, never pulled off

 

[Fishermark]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

Your call of course, but one thing that periodic removal will do is allow it to be removed when needed. Even in fresh water bolts and nuts tend to be hard to remove if left alone for years. Then a simple repair becomes a nightmare. Plus if you have never removed it in four years, I assume that means the impeller has never been replaced either? Checking and replacing items before they break allow you to do things when convenient for you instead of an emergency basis - plus it is cheaper because other problems are avoided. But... your call.

 

[45Auto]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

One of the big items on the annual check is the alignment check. It's the quickest and easiest way to find loose or bad motor mounts. If you run it out of alignment for long you'll be replacing the coupler at a minimum, which requires removing the engine and won't be cheap (that's probably why they call it "preventive maintenance"). However, many people seem to prefer the "catastrophic maintenance" method and just run it till it dies. Your call!

 

[sickwilly]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

I'm one year ahead of you (2004) with 100 hours and doing mine. Basically I just removed the outdrive before winter layup and have it in my garage on a stand. Last weekend I did the impeller and it looked perfect. However, I would rather replace it when looking perfect that the opposite. The drive held pressure overnight when pressure tested. When I removed it all the bellows looked great. The only real test that remains is the alignment, which I will do when the boat comes home in six weeks, before putting the drive on again.

I'm a fresh water only boater too. I expected a good looking impeller. I guess my only concern is the alignment. After 100 hours, lots of trailering, and some good 40 MPH bumps across wakes, I worried most about my motor having settled somewhat.

I did not plan to do myself, but after I inquirred at a couple of dealers and kept being told "you don't need the outdrive pulled and don't need to check that" I decided the only way to be sure it was done how I wanted it done, was to do it myself.

I guess my recommendation would be to gear up for doing it at the end of this boating season. That will give you time to plan for building a stand, getting the alignment bar, and collecting the greases and etc you will need for the job.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: annual check do it yourself (is this a hard one)

I?m no expert, however I have changed a few u-joints, gimble bearings, water pumps, and bellows, in the Merc powered boats I have owned.

While the bellows may look fine, they may indeed be getting close to failure, without looking any different. With age, the rubber starts to deteriorate and can be very deceiving, until it's too late.

My advice would be that if they are more than 3 years old, it's time to change them all. It's cheap insurance.