Allen bolt on lower unit

[gspig]

Finally got to take my boat out. After waiting 3 months for the mechanic to put seals and water pump in my pre-Alpha lower unit, I find that my engine is overheating. It didn't overheat last year. I opened the thermostat housing and ran the engine briefly. The water inlet from the pump barely pushed any water. So, I want to open the lower unit and my question: What size allen key do I need to remove the trim anode and the bolt under that?

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

My '87 Alpha one is a 3/8" to remove the tab, under that it is a 5/16" allen wrench. It's probably the same on your pre-Alpha.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

I'd be marching right back to the dealer if it were me!

 

[Phantom17]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

With the Allen wrench to hit him over the head with!!!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

3/8 for sure 5/16 sounds right. Hit 'em with the prop wrench

 

[gspig]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

I'd take the lower unit back, if I thought I would get it back in time to beat the ice. I've checked the cooling system as best I can from the intake at the thermostat to the riser, and there seems to be water flow. I had him install the pump so that I wouldn't screw it up.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

Did you check the water flow from the hose coming from the drive? If so, silly question here... was the water pressure to the muffs high enough??

 

[gspig]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

I checked the water flow from the outdrive pump by taking the thermostat housing off and briefly running the engine. I can spit more water quicker than what came out of the outdrive hose. At idle no flow, a little goose to 2000rpm produced a small flow. This was done on the lake, so I hope there was enough water available.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

That impeller is not working right. Looks like you got a bad one, unless, dare I say it, they did not actually change it. I have read of new impellers spinning on the hub, so you would not be the first if that is the case.

 

[gspig]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

Took the lower apart today. The water pump was fried. I don't know what happened. It was new, when I ran the boat at home, I had the muffs on and the water running. I don't think anything was clogging the inlets when I put it on the lake. The impeller melted to the inside of the pump housing and the pump housing around the driveshaft bubbled. I have another pump housing and I'll pick up another impellor tomorrow. I hope that is all that it takes to get this water hole moving.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

sorry to hear your problem,but have to add my 2 cents.The pump impeller cannot fry if it gets water.<br />Have you ever just clicked the starter to see if the motor will start (without the water on ) ?<br /><br />Once had a customer go thru 4 pumps in one season before he admitted this.All were melted.<br /><br />DHP

 

[gspig]

Re: Allen bolt on lower unit

Just read a post from someone having pump frying problems. I am aware of impeller fragility and did not even move the driveshaft by hand without water running. http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=011856 I checked mercstuff.com and the pump appeared to be installed correctly. I'm getting a new impeller today and will find out if I have contiuing problem.