gear oil in u-joint bellows

[mkpj1]

Hello Sirs & Maam's:

I am new to mercruiser. recently bought an18ft with a 140 and a pre-alpha stern drive. I yanked the drive and have gear oil in the u-joint bellows. Studied my manual and I have few questions for those who have done a few of these.
1. Is the "oil seal carrier" what I need to replace?

2. Just pull the retainer and the ring and remove the seal? Does this need to be pressed?

3. Since I'm in here, what else should I look at...replace if needed? Thanks.

You should know I have rebuilt race engines and such but with that said....I do such things as pry on bolts and break cavitation plates???? So I'm mechanically inclined....but I'm an idiot at times too.....so treat me like a retard with a glimse of brilliance.

thanks in advance.
Ken

 

[Don S]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

You don't need the carrier, so much as the seal in the carrier and probably the input yoke. Since you didn't mention anything about what year, I would suggest you look at this contents of the link below. It's the OEM service manual.
Do it like the book or end up needing a new drive.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[mkpj1]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

Thanks for the reply Don,

the boat is a 83 Dixie. the stern was replaced by the previous owner. The serial on the upper under where the "merc sticker" goes is 4180148 B . The drive is a Pre-Alpha, both lower and upper.

Input yoke sounds rare and expensive. Are you thinking worn race??? I'm speaking with no knowledge of Merc's so be kind. what would you charge to fix this? Time is money and my wrench turning hours are limited. I got "the look" for spending so much time winterizing my new...... "girlfriend" as she puts it. By the way....Winterizing section, VERY, helpful. Thank you! Service manuals can be troublesome for a greenie.

Alpha is considered....Stronger....so I'm told. Better off getting a newer Alpha in the long run?

Ken

 

[mkpj1]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

What's the deal. Get blow job smiley with two question marks?

Ken

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

Actually you must have put 3 , just click on the emoticons "all", you will see the codes beside each and 3 ? is what you got.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

I just found the same problem with mine and posted similar questions just a few days ago. Here's the link with the responses I got if it helps you...mine is a newer drive, but probably very similar.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=24;gtid=1199932

The yoke on mine is about a $90 part I'm told...I guess they commonly get grooves worn in over time, so a new seal may not seal properly on an old yoke. (AKA "input shaft" on my thread)

 

[Don S]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

Alpha is considered....Stronger....so I'm told. Better off getting a newer Alpha in the long run?

It's going to be a lot cheaper to fix a leak on your drive than to replace it with an Alpha. Besides if you were running a V8, then Yes it might be a good upgrade. But you're running a 135hp 4 cylinder, your drive will be fine.

 

[mkpj1]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

Thanks craze,

I actually read your post. Very hepful, thank you. Very similiar situation. Boat runs great. Very good RPM's and speed. I probably caused the probem. New to I/O's and the boat. I have on occasion run the motor with the trim up to high. Hard gaskets? doubtful in my mind. Maybe over thirty years, More than likely too much rpm at a poor angle. maybe bearings on the other side are worn out.

I'll replace the the seal, check out the bearings, and pressure test. If it ain't broke, don't F@#% with it.

In my case, the word is that the Alpha was a better drive than the Pre-alpha? I have to weigh all my options.

Ken

 

[mkpj1]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

ohhh, there you go. Alpha not needed. thanks Don.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: gear oil in u-joint bellows

http://www.mercstuff.com/yokesealreplacement.htm

Here's another useful link. Takes you through seal and/or yoke replacement step by step (as does a proper service manual of course...)