maintenance, outdrive inspection?

[betayv]

Hello guys I just bought a 1987 sea ray 23 with a 5.7, and a alpha outdrive, carburetor is shot, any good place to buy a carburetor, what will be the correct way to inspect the outdrive?, I would like to change the gear oil on it, what are the steps?what tools Do I need?. by the way any other tips for the engine too, I want to be sure I do every maintenance or tune up on this boat before I go in the water. thanks.

 

[tpenfield]

The gear oil you can pretty much drain with the outdrive installed. Screw driver would be the tool and a bucket to catch the oil. Make note of its color and consistency as it drains. a milky color would indicate that water has gotten into the outdrive. To fill it back up, you will need a couple quarts of the Mercruiser outdrive oil and the hand pump. there is a procedure outlined in the service manual.

The other stuff to inspect on the outdrive would require that you take it off. The u-joints and the gimbal bearing should be checked for signs of wear and greased.

Best to get yourself the service manual for the engine and the outdrive and review the various maintenance procedures.