Flexing outdrive

[zukimud1]

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to tighten up the transom plate on an alpha 1 mercruiser? I have developed a leak around it, and it seems to be slightly loose at the top and bottom. I looked for rot and can't find any, so I would like to try and just tighten the bolts if possible. I heard that I might have to pull the engine, but I was trying to avoid that if at all possible.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Darian F.]

Re: Flexing outdrive

It is very hard to tighten all eight bolts on inner plate ( might be impossible)<br /><br />Have you found your exact leaking spot, there are a few rubber bellows to check first. Before you pull the engine. <br /><br />what engine and what year merc do you have?

 

[zukimud1]

Re: Flexing outdrive

This is the reason why I am leaning toward the bolts being loose. While in the lake I looked inside the bilge area to try and see my leak. I saw a steady stream of water running down from right above by drain hole, directly in the center. I couldn't see the exact spot of the source because of the exhaust tubes in my way. I also watched the drive while my wife gave the boat some gas and noticed the drive was flexing about 1/8th of an inch whenever she gave it gas. When we pulled the boat out I lifted up on the drive and water poured out from under where the drive mounts to the boat. This is on a 1974 Sea Ray with a 302 Ford and alpha one outdrive. Like I said, the first thing I thought was that the transom was rotting, but I tried finding a soft spot from inside and outside and couldn't. Isn't it possible these bolts could be loose after 30 years?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Flexing outdrive

Isn't it possible these bolts could be loose after 30 years?

AnyThing is Possible.......<br />Doubtful thou.......<br /><br />I'm thinking it's Either the Bellows,<br />Or a Rotten Transom.......

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Flexing outdrive

Transom is soft. Brackets just don't go leaking after that many years. Those big O rings stick really good until the wood rots away and the glass pulls away.