Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

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kdmiller8251

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Question:<br /><br />Is it possible to start and run an engine without the sterndrive on the boat?? I know the cooling water comes from the drive. But will anything else happen other than the motor getting hot? Is it possible to run it?<br /><br />Tallman
 

kdmiller8251

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

If your wondering why I want to do this see my other post about the water in the stern drive. I am trying to find out if replacing the sterndrive is my problem or something simple like Gimball bearing which mech. claims is good.
 

kdmiller8251

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

The boat is currently at a mechanic with the stern drive off.I want to go and start it and see if it still makes the grinding noise I heard at the lake. Is this possible?<br /><br />All Help is Greatly appreciated... <br /><br />tallman
 

Trent

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Yes you can run it that way. Dont do it long.<br /><br />Its not going to tell you the gimble is bad or not, The driveshaft will not turn the gimble bearing with the outdrive removed.
 

kdmiller8251

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Any ideas then trent??<br />What can a person do?<br /><br />Tallman
 

Trent

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

This is what I would do. Put the drive back on. Grease the gimble bearing and u-joints before re-installing. (You do know where the gimble zerk fitting is??)<br /><br />Put the muffs on and crank it. Is the noise still their? If so drop the lower part of the drive. Crank (just for a little bit since impeller is not pumping water)Is the noise now gone? If so do the lower unit.<br /><br />If the noise is still there take the top cover off the upper drive and take a look at the gears.<br /><br />If the noise was from the upper...The lower is most likely ok and this will save you some money. My bet its the upper?? Im not their but give it a try anyway. Check the lower for metal. Might have to flush it out???? Hard to see from here :)
 

kdmiller8251

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Thanks I wish I could do that except the boat is at the mechanic and hes got it apart, so I pretty much have to either take it home or go on what he says I guess at this point..<br /><br />Tallman
 

Trent

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Have him show you why he thinks the "whole" drive is trashed.
 

kdmiller8251

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Thanks will do Trent..<br />I owe you a case of beer for all the help you have given over the past month....<br /><br />Tallman
 

Bondo

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

when i said "YES" in your earlier post i mean, yes your outdrive is "toast"<br /><br />in this post, yes you can run the engine.. just stick a garden hose into the water hole in the gimbal housing....BUT, if you want to check out the gimbal bearing, just reach your hand into the big, Greasy hole, then stick your finger into the gimbal bearing,+ shake, twist, wiggle,etc... That IS the gimbal bearing.....AND, while your there, you should check out all your bellows for cracks,etc.... now would be a good time to replace them if needed....<br /><br />if your friendly Wrench already has the outdrive apart, it will be Very obvious What is been destroyed...it doesn't take alot of parts($$$$$) to equal a new outdrive....in your other post you say you ran an hour,+ when drained it had little oil+water left in it.... in that condition, an HOUR is an eternity....!!!!!!Then you went out several more times.. at a couple hours each... with, no doubt, pitted gears, scored bearings,whatever.... you may as well taken the top cover off,+ poured in a handful of sand....<br /><br />i've had super good luck at ebay... the outdrive i'm running now, i bought this spring at auction...a 1996 alpha1, 165/1 ratio, in cherry condition.. with a trim pump,+ cylinders... for $666.00.... i drained,+ refilled the oil... presure tested it, then installed... i've got 63hrs on it so far...<br /><br />Oh ya, the reason i needed a "new" outdrive, i touched bottom........ stopped, changed props, checked for bent prop shaft, vibrations, etc.... then drove it 2 miles to get to the trailer....... got home, pulled the drive,+ sent it to my favorite outdrive guy.....next day he calls with the good news.... the Merc. parts tab comes to, just under $2000.00......"ya right... box it up.. i'll be right over to pick up the salvage"........<br /><br />Good Luck.... Bondo
 

Walter

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Tallman...<br /><br />I guess I don't see the value of running your engine with the outdrive off. Considering the water in the gear lube issue...it seems unlikely your problem is anywhere other than in the outdrive itself. If the gimbal bearing was causing the noise you hear...wouldn't that be evident to the mechanic upon inspecting it? You say he claims it's good. <br /><br />I'm with Trent when he suggests you have the mechanic show you why he's saying the outdrive is "toast". A failure significant enough to cause noise that you can hear over the sound of the engine should be easily seen once the componet (s) is exposed. I'm sure there comes a point when replacing the entire outdrive is more cost effective than repairing the defective one. Once you assess the damages, I'm afraid that's the decision you'll be facing.<br /><br />Walt
 

Trent

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Re: Is it possible to Run engine without sterndrive on?

Thank you! Walter<br /><br />You need to check out the upper and the lower before condeming them both!! sp
 
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