Mercruiser Alpha One Gen II Maintenance Items

[bts2]

Hi, I have my outdrive apart doing some general maintenance and taking care of a growling gimbal/u-joint as well as dead trim sensors. I will do the water pump impeller and bellows and chage the oil of course and a pressure test. Is there anything else I should be doing while apart. I just did engine alignment and mounts last year while engine was out for leaking timing cover repair. Don't mean to be lazy and hope I haven't missed some of the necessary maintenance.

Thanks,
BT

 

[Scott06]

Hi, I have my outdrive apart doing some general maintenance and taking care of a growling gimbal/u-joint as well as dead trim sensors. I will do the water pump impeller and bellows and chage the oil of course and a pressure test. Is there anything else I should be doing while apart. I just did engine alignment and mounts last year while engine was out for leaking timing cover repair. Don't mean to be lazy and hope I haven't missed some of the necessary maintenance.

Thanks,
BT

That seems like a good list. Only comments I would add are

on the water pump impeller- consensus is use OEM parts vs aftermarket for best life.

Also inspect the seal carrier just below the water pump baseplate this is plastic and horn shaped. The top can get misshapen and deformed from the heat. Its not an expensive part while you have it torn down...

 

[achris]

Since you replaced the engine mounts last year, check the alignment, mounts do 'settle'.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Just a reminder that pulling the drive, changing the oil, greasing and inspecting u-joints and gimbal as well as bellows is standard annual maintenance. Also add removing the prop and greasing the shaft splines. A couple that aren't annual is the impeller, which with an OEM one can last for a number of years., and a pressure test. While the pressure test can be done annually, most likely unnecessary to do that often unless you see an issue. And as Chris brought up, every time you pull a drive check the alignment.

 

[bts2]

Thanks guys,
I didn't actually replace the mounts as they were good but had to R&R and realign everything last year, but I will certainly also check the alignment again while it's opened up. Gotta make use of that tool, lol. I also had opportunity to replace the prop year before last (doh!) so I will definitely pull it and regrease everything. I did the impeller and water pump housing 5 years ago, so hoping only the impeller this time around. Will check the carrier. +1 on Quicksilver parts.

One followup question regarding seals and pressure testing if I may. She holds 15 psi overnight and then some and has every year but I still lose about a pint and a half of oil every season. There is no evidence of leaking anywhere, and a pint of oil is cheap but I don't like to pollute, so any tips on if I should be more concerned about the oil loss? I do have the convenient oil monitor bottle under the hood.

Thanks again,
BT

 

[Rick Stephens]

I agree with your losing oil is reason to pressure test. As long as you are at it, try your test at 5 pounds instead of only 15 - and turn the shafts during said test to see if you find a problem. At 15 pounds we are forcing the in facing seal lips tighter against the shafts than they normally run in operation. By itself the higher pressure can mask your issue.

 

[Stinnett21]

I agree with your losing oil is reason to pressure test. As long as you are at it, try your test at 5 pounds instead of only 15 - and turn the shafts during said test to see if you find a problem. At 15 pounds we are forcing the in facing seal lips tighter against the shafts than they normally run in operation. By itself the higher pressure can mask your issue.

Good to know. Thanks Rick.

 

[achris]

I agree with your losing oil is reason to pressure test. As long as you are at it, try your test at 5 pounds instead of only 15 - and turn the shafts during said test to see if you find a problem. At 15 pounds we are forcing the in facing seal lips tighter against the shafts than they normally run in operation. By itself the higher pressure can mask your issue.

I'd go so far as to suggest doing the test at even lower pressure, maybe 2psi...
I once had a fuel tank leak. Pulled the tank (180L) and pressurized it to 5psi, no leak. Put the tank back in and put 20L in, it leaked. Pulled the tank again and at 0.5psi I found it... Higher pressure isn't always better...

Chris...

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

Hi, I have my outdrive apart doing some general maintenance and taking care of a growling gimbal/u-joint as well as dead trim sensors. I will do the water pump impeller and bellows and chage the oil of course and a pressure test. Is there anything else I should be doing while apart. I just did engine alignment and mounts last year while engine was out for leaking timing cover repair. Don't mean to be lazy and hope I haven't missed some of the necessary maintenance.

Thanks,
BT

Wanna do mine while you're at it?

 

[bts2]

Great advice and thanks again. Will test at 2-5 psi and see what I can discover turning shafts.

BT