grease zerks on a new alpha one gen2

[roffey]

This is not a question but more of a head scratcher. I was looking for the grease nipples or zerks on a new alpha one gen2. For the life of me I could not find them so I gave up and called the dealer... Mercruiser has removed all but one and that one is not accessible unless you take the lower unit off. I guess it is there way of bringing in business for replacement parts.

there, that's it, i'm dome complaining.

 

[achris]

This is not a question but more of a head scratcher. I was looking for the grease nipples or zerks on a new alpha one gen2. For the life of me I could not find them so I gave up and called the dealer... Mercruiser has removed all but one and that one is not accessible unless you take the lower unit off. I guess it is there way of bringing in business for replacement parts.

there, that's it, i'm dome complaining.

I also have a Gen II with no grease nipples. Mine's 14 years old and not a cent spent on anything to do with the 'sealed for life' parts. Removing the grease nipples and sealing up those parts is the BEST thing they have done in a while.

Don't complain about not having to grease things, be thankful.

Chris.........

 

[roffey]

I also have a Gen II with no grease nipples. Mine's 14 years old and not a cent spent on anything to do with the 'sealed for life' parts. Removing the grease nipples and sealing up those parts is the BEST thing they have done in a while.

Don't complain about not having to grease things, be thankful.

Chris.........

Hmm. good point. I would have thought fresh grease is always better?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can thank the marketing department and reviews like consumer reports for the death of service points..... it was done because less service points have a more favorable review.

you wont find grease zerks on your car or truck either. not a greasable u-joint, ball-joint, or chassis point.......

I disagree that its the best thing...... lube makes the world stay spinning

 

[harringtondav]

My '96 Alpha II came with grease zerks on the gimbal bearing, gimbal ring pivots and Unis. I could convert the Unis and gimbal bearing to 'perma lube', but haven't yet. New perma lube Unis come with pipe plug to replace the zerk. When I pull the needle caps I find a touch of grease. So I install a zerk that comes with the Uni and fill/burp the joint until it's full. It takes another two pumps from the gun.

I've never seen a Uni with any signs of grease leakage past the seals, so I'm OK with the perma lube versions...as long as they start full of grease. achris touts the sealed gimbal bearings, so I'll probably install one if I ever have the need. ...gotta replace the zerk with a pipe plug.

Not sure how Merc managed to perma lube the gimbal ring pivots/trim senders. ...mine are gooey, but still drum tight after 24 yrs.

 

[achris]

...gotta replace the zerk with a pipe plug..

Comes in the packet with the new gimbal bearing. All you need is a security Torx set. IIRC #20.