Alpha 1 Gasket between Outdrive and Bell Housing

[JoeRJGR]

All,

My out-drive got pretty pitted during last season, so I was getting ready to wire brush, sand, and put some primer and then new paint on it. As I was cleaning it up I noticed what looks to be the gasket between the out-drive and the bell housing sticking out on both sides just between the the two bolts on the top. Its an Alpha 1 unit.

I'm hoping that this doesn't mean I need to be remove the out-drive an replace the gasket.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

The gasket should definitely be repaired before using the boat as their is hardware in their that needs to stay dry

 

[Bt Doctur]

drives should be removed every season to grease things in there, check the alignment, check for water or oil bad case of electrolysis avoid a steel brush, use only brass or SS

 

[JoeRJGR]

Thanks for the info on the wire brush...never thought of that....I just changed the out-drive oil and there was no sign of water. Do I have to buy an alignment tool to make sure the alignment is correct? I have read that sometimes the gaskets stick out and not to worry about it....I was thinking of trying to put some silicon on it and changing the gasket in fall.....bad idea I suppose??? Never removed an out-drive before..

 

[JoeRJGR]

Can someone tell me why the gasket would have pressed put like that anyway and what happen is water does come seep in ?

Thanks

 

[Rick Stephens]

Water will leak in. From that location it will get into your lower shift cable and ruin it. Then it will get into your u-joint bellows and ruin the u-joints and gimbal bearing.

I usually purchase after market gaskets than are a little thicker, as in wider, to help prevent that. Also more care in tightening the six bolts, and using a torque wrench to keep from over tightening, can keep the gasket in place. If possible, always best to avoid sealer.

 

[JoeRJGR]

OK guys, got a new problem. The places where the gasket was sticking out actually have some metal from the bell housing missing...I suppose it just corroded away..

Which wouldn't be too bad, because the old gasket was wide in that area. The new gasket however has a hole in that section of the gasket...I assume for later models but mercury doesn't want to stock 2 part numbers. That hole lines up perfectly with the imperfection in the bell housing, so you can actually see where its is going to leak. I could flip it over, but the other side has the same imperfection, just not as big.

Siera carries a pre-alpha gasket with out holes which may fit...I'm going to try that an maybe try to fix the bell housing with JB weld or something? Maybe put some under water silicon??? I'm open to suggestions...don't really want to spend too much...this was free boat and really isn't what i wanted, so i don't want to throw a whole bunch of money at it.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... You need a new bell housing, 'n need to figure out why the electrolysis is so bad,......

That whole drive is goin' to disappear with electrolysis like that going on,......

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

HMMM 3m 4200 might be a better choice than silicone as its made for below water line applications --- but not sure how well it work

I would probably go for Jb weld if i were to try and " rig it " by starting with freshly exposed clean metal from abrasives and then block sanding to shape --

Not sure how well ether will work.



Nothing like a freebie !!!!

I don't want to rain on your parade -- But if I could offer some advice

You may want to look at the stickies and do a good inspection while its apart -- It would be good to know what your getting into as preventive maintenance is a big part of keep these older boats running dependably and avoiding major failures. Breakdowns are no fun and often more expensive than the preventive work.

Such as

Have you inspected the bellows yet ? How old is the impeller ?

Good luck

 

[JoeRJGR]

Ayuh,..... You need a new bell housing, 'n need to figure out why the electrolysis is so bad,......

That whole drive is goin' to disappear with electrolysis like that going on,......

Understood...how do yo figure our why or how the electrolysis is occurring? The boat has a mercathode system that was never on last year...(long story)

 

[JoeRJGR]

HMMM 3m 4200 might be a better choice than silicone as its made for below water line applications --- but not sure how well it work

I would probably go for Jb weld if i were to try and " rig it " by starting with freshly exposed clean metal from abrasives and then block sanding to shape --

Not sure how well ether will work.



Nothing like a freebie !!!!

I don't want to rain on your parade -- But if I could offer some advice

You may want to look at the stickies and do a good inspection while its apart -- It would be good to know what your getting into as preventive maintenance is a big part of keep these older boats running dependably and avoiding major failures. Breakdowns are no fun and often more expensive than the preventive work.

Such as

Have you inspected the bellows yet ? How old is the impeller ?

Good luck

The bellows and impeller were done the year the before last....He had the whole boat gone through 2 years ago....didn't use it that year and gave it to me last year...I think the electolysis issue is what I need to work on...

Thanks for your help..

 

[Bondo]

Understood...how do yo figure our why or how the electrolysis is occurring? The boat has a mercathode system that was never on last year...(long story)

Donno,..... Never had to deal with it,.....

It could be yer boat, or it's moorage,.....

 

[JoeRJGR]

Boat is in a lagoon behind a bunch of homes...no one has power to their boats

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Could it be from Saltwater ????