new to mercruiser game need basic help

[strombolichef]

OK, I have sold my boats with Seadrives, and Evinrude. So now I am at square one.

What I know
Boat is 84 chriscraft scorpion with driveshaft running under deck to outdrive (center engine). Boat is mostly sound, lots of work was done to it.
Outdrive is pre alpha, but seems to have alpha lower on it. Of course it has so much black paint, that there are no stickers or serial numbers visible anywhere.

Shifting is not quite right, not in sync.
Shift Bellows is gone.
Engine runs fine, no issue with that right now.
Water in outdrive oil but no metal shavings, oil was pretty dark, but milky as expected
Tilt works fine.

What I would like to know is how deep into this outdrive do I need to go, I know I better put in a water pump, but then which seals etc. to eliminate the water issue?

Also what basic tests should I do to make sure I will have a seaworthy drive before I take offshore? I will do the work myself, so will be making it a summer project (in florida thats like your winter project up north, too darn hot for fishing...)

I know there are many who have done the same thing many times over so will be glad to look at links to old posts that may help.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

The only drives I`m aware of that use a jackshaft were the TR and TRS
Can you post a pic.

 

[strombolichef]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

OK then I am getting warmer. I will post a pick when I can get one. Thanks.

 

[boatguya1]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

I've seen this setup on a chris craft before with an alpha style drive.

You will need to pressure test the drive to see where the leak is or just re-seal the whole thing. New lower shift cable and bellows, might as well do the u-joint bellows while you're there, It's probably just as old as the shift bellows. Check u-joints and Gimbal brg while the drive is off. Of course the impeller kit also.

I have no idea what you need to do/look for on the jackshaft setup.

If I was headed "offshore" with this boat it would have a kicker motor as a backup.

James

 

[strombolichef]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

thats what I was thinking I would be doing. I will get the seal repair kits for upper and lower plus water pump kit. PS no kicker but the Seatow is up to date....Havent had to use it yet, but theres a first time for everything.
Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

Ayuh,... It sounds like it needs a Full transom service,..New shift cable, All the bellows,+ whatever else is found....
The outdrive probably otta be Rebuilt,... If it'll spec out with Just seals,... Cool...
If Not,... It takes very few new hard parts to equal the price of a bolt on 'n Go SEI drive...

The jackshafted drives just means a few more grease points to hit,+ check for wear,...
The alignment process is alittle more involved as well...

 

[ken_23434]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

If you haven't done it already, download the Mercruiser Service manual for your engine and outdrive. A link to them can be found in the --Adults Only--- sticky at the top of the forum. I am pretty sure I saw a few chapters that referenced the "jack shaft" set-up. Since I don't have one, I did not really look at them.

 

[Commissionpoint]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

PS no kicker but the Seatow is up to date....Havent had to use it yet, but theres a first time for everything.
Thanks

If Seatow is the back-up plan make sure you have a good anchor and appropriate line for the boat and depth of water you do most of your boating in. Firstly, you won't likely be just off their docks when you break down. Secondly, you may not be first in line for their services when you call. Lastly, if the weather turns on you quickly, as it often does on the water, you may need to drop the hook to maintain your position.

I hate to be a Nervous Nancy, but I would hate even more hearing that you ran afoul in your new boat and a dangerous situation arose.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: new to mercruiser game need basic help

If Seatow is the back-up plan make sure you have a good anchor and appropriate line for the boat and depth of water you do most of your boating in. Firstly, you won't likely be just off their docks when you break down. Secondly, you may not be first in line for their services when you call. Lastly, if the weather turns on you quickly, as it often does on the water, you may need to drop the hook to maintain your position.

I hate to be a Nervous Nancy, but I would hate even more hearing that you ran afoul in your new boat and a dangerous situation arose.

happened to me out on the lake one day... broke down and tossed both anchors and they could barely hold the boat while in the storm