1987 Mercruiser Alpha 1 outdrive questions.

[Chemdawg]

Hello Everyone. I have an alpha 1 sterndrive with Serial 0B575167. I have a couple of questions. 1, how long is the normal life span of the gimbal bearing, and the bellows? I replaced them early 2014, and recently I heard a grinding, which I thought might be the ujoints. When I pulled the outdrive, I had water in the bellows, and the bearing is shot. Ujoint is pretty smooth.

So I am wondering how long the bellows are good for and bearing?

2, could anyone tell me the part number from the site here for the bellows/bearing kit? For the above serial number? Thanks.

Pat

 

[Yegboats]

I didn't see the oem kit and a lot of people will only go with OEM bellows 8903097t 1


http://www.iboats.com/Transom-Seal-K...view_id.172480

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser-Tra...view_id.269626
Bearings are long life items if kept dry and lubed, bellows might go 5 years or so.

 

[achris]

As long as the gimbal bearing is kept dry (and if greaseable, greased), then it can last as long as 20+ years. Bellows are a different story. If they are 'cared for', they can also last quite a long time, 10 years not being unreasonable. BUT, they must be treated right. Always leave the drive down and straight when stored, thoroughly wash the drive and inside the bellows area when you have finished for the day. Both freezing and very hot days will shorten the life. My preference is to check them annually and replace at the very first sign of deterioration, rub marks, or surface cracking.

Chris........