Junk in bellows

[scottybm1]

I finally succeeded in removing my outdrive ('91 Alpha One) and now wish I hadn't. The boat was a freebie from my uncle and has been sitting for the last 3-4 years. I removed the engine (3.0 mercruiser) but the outdrive was stuck, finally got it off and the shaft, bearing and u-joints are covered in rust and the grease is a mucky goo. The outdrive was only supposed to have about 15 hours on it and my uncle really took care of the boat until the front seal went and he let it sit outside in the Washington weather for the last 3 years. There wasn't any standing water in the bellows, could the moisture in the air have caused all of that damage or do you think there is a problem?
Finally, what do I need to replace? The bearing is smooth and greased but the shaft is rusted. The u-joints are coated in surface rust but rotate freely with no slop. Can I just clean it, replace the gaskets and reassemble or should I dig deep and try to find a problem?
Thanks in advance

 

[45Auto]

Re: Junk in bellows

Depends on how much you have to spend on it. Definitly replace the bellows. Don't put new parts in it with a potential bellows leak. Clean up the shaft with some sandpaper. I would spend the $100 to replace the gimbal bearing and u-joints while you have it apart. But if you're low on money put it back together like it is and see how they sound. Costs less than $5 for a gasket set and 10 minutes to pull it again if you have to do them later. Keep an eye on the lower unit lube and make sure it's not leaking by the upper seal (could possibly be worn out by the rusted shaft).

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Junk in bellows

The impeller needs to be looked at also.

Sitting 3 years and not being used is a bad thing.

Really when you go to re-install the drive should first check it with a alignment bar.

Oh that should be a gen II.

Good luck!

 

[Don S]

Re: Junk in bellows

With all that rust on the ujoint assembly, you can bet the yoke going into the drive is also rusty. When you run it, that rust will act like sandpaper and WILL destroy the seal, then you will start loosing gear lube from the drive. into the bellows and with no lube in the upper, the gears and bearings will be next to go.
The first thing you need to do is find out what type drive you have, either an Alpha I or an Alpha I Gen II.
91 was the first year for the Gen II drives, but you may have a 90 enging and drive setup. Very common in boats. Even if it is a Gen II, the 91's don't have the reservoir so you can monitor the gear lube for leaks.

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

Thanks for all replies, I'll be digging in deeper I guess. Being a Coast Guard Boatswain's Mate, I know it's a bad idea to get underway with questionable equipment.
It's funny how a free boat is costing me so much money!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Junk in bellows

It's funny how a free boat is costing me so much money!

Ayuh,.....

That's the way it Always works,... Welcome Aboard....

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Junk in bellows

And nothing is "free", my friend.

Good luck with your project. We will help all that we can.

As previously suggested, you should go ahead and change the u-joints and gimbal bearing - they are more than likely in need of replacing.

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

One more thing, the gimbal bearing came out with the shaft, is that normal? The shaft is covered with rust and I'm going to have to go at it with emery cloth to clean it up and be able to slide the bearing off.
I'm going to replace everything I can, I don't want to be pulling it back apart any time soon!

 

[Don S]

Re: Junk in bellows

One more thing, the gimbal bearing came out with the shaft, is that normal?

Nope, it's not normal. It's called rust.

Again, do you have an older Alpha, or a Gen II. We can post a link to the OEM service manual for that drive if you will let us know.

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

Thanks again guys, I have a manual, I guess now I have to use it! Funny how in real life I'm a first class petty officer and in here I'm just a cadet! I gotta get promoted!

 

[45Auto]

Re: Junk in bellows

The guys here are trying to give you a link to the FACTORY Mercruiser manuals for your drive and engine if you'll tell them what you have. If you're using a Clymer or Seloc manual you're missing a great opportunity to get the real manuals .......

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

OK, how do I decide which outdrive I have? I know my uncle replaced it sometime in the last 5 years so it's not the original out of the boat, the boat by the way is a '91 Bayliner Capri 18'. The engine is the 3.0 but has a 1 piece oil pan gasket so I'm guessing it's a later model.
The outdrive doesn't have a speedometer hookup or a level-indicator for the oil. I can get the serial number later (the boat's at work), is there anything else I need to identify so we can get the right manual?
Once again, thanks a ton!
Scotty

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Junk in bellows

OK, how do I decide which outdrive I have? I know my uncle replaced it sometime in the last 5 years so it's not the original out of the boat, the boat by the way is a '91 Bayliner Capri 18'. The engine is the 3.0 but has a 1 piece oil pan gasket so I'm guessing it's a later model.
The outdrive doesn't have a speedometer hookup or a level-indicator for the oil. I can get the serial number later (the boat's at work), is there anything else I need to identify so we can get the right manual?
Once again, thanks a ton!
Scotty

Either post the engine serial # (located by the starter) or post a pic of the drive.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Junk in bellows

Easiest way to tell the difference is by how the upper and lower are held together.
The Gen II drive has 4 thru bolts visible (2 on each side)

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

OK, definitely a Gen I, 3 studs with nuts holding the upper to the lower.
I have about $500 to spend without my wife going ballistic, is that enough to replace the bearing, bellows, u-joints gaskets and get the motor aligned or do I need to find some more money from my side job? I only want to do this once and have all winter to do it. I'm pretty good with mechanical things, I'm in a warm and covered place and have plenty of time.
Any and all suggestions are VERY appreciated.
Thanks again,
Scotty

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Junk in bellows

You can easily do it for less than that if you do the work yourself. Buy the alignment tool - you will need it in the future. No need to buy Mercruiser u-joints. Here are some model numbers that will cross reference and do the job just fine:

SPICER# 5-1306X
ROCKFORD# K1306
DETROIT# 7260
NEAPCO# 1-6300 / 1-6301
PRECISION (MOOG)# 315G
TRW (FEDERAL MOGUL)# 20030 / 20030P

 

[scottybm1]

Re: Junk in bellows

I like that, thanks for the cross reference.
It's always cheaper to buy car stuff than marine, but I am smart enough not to use car electrical or fuel components.
Still looking for the link for the manual,
Thanks again,
Scotty

 

[Don S]

Re: Junk in bellows

You have a 1990 engine and drive package in that boat. Here is a link to the manual. On the drive manual you have to scroll down to the outline page and download each section letter to your computer.
Engine is just all one download.

Outdrive

Engine

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Junk in bellows

At least now we know you have a alpha one drive. Motor is another story.

But 3.0l 90' and newer is pretty mush the same.

Was very, very common to get a year behind motor and drive in a boat.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Junk in bellows

$500 should easily cover it if you do the work yourself. Bearing, bellows, u-joints, alignment tool and gaskets will probably run you in the neighborhood of $200 - $250.