Merc Alpha 1 Drive

[capecodder116]

1984 260 Mercrusier Alpha 1 drive

How often should drive be resealed and exhaust and shift cable bellows be replaced? I'd prefer to be proactive rather than reactive in my maintainence. I was thinking of having work preformed now if necessary rather then deal with the Spring rush. Also any estimates on what this job would cost if I brought the boat to a marina to have the work preformed?...Thanks.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Drive

CC, The bellows are a normal maintenance item. Check them to see if they are starting to dry out and crack. if so, make the appointment to have it done, or try it yourself.

The gearcase reseal is not a normal maintenance item. There is, therefore, no maintenance schedule for it. Most of the gearcase leaks are caused (IMHO) by the waterpump base seals. You might replace the base (with it's new seal) the next time you do the impeller, or sooner if it indicates a leak. Also, The upper driveshaft seals may leak gear oil into the driveshaft bellows. You will need to change the seal and likely the driveshaft yoke when that happens.

 

[tommays]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Drive

8 years

When any seal starts to leak IT would be a good time to reseal the drive UNLESS there was some reason like fishing line on the prop shaft seal


At that age you may run into issues with the area on the shafts were the seals contact the shaft causeing groving that will NOT allow a NEW seal to work

This would require new shafts in those areas


The bellows is around 5 years


Tommays