New boat owner needs advice on Mercruiser MC-1 (pre-alpha) drive from all you experts

[utskicat]

So I am the proud new owner of a 1975 Fiberform 19' Monterey skiboat. I've used several YouTube videos to identify it as a pre-alpha MC-1 drive. (It has the loop on the top of the outdrive.)

The boat's engine was replaced a few years ago to a Ford 351W. Engine runs great.

I have read several places that it is important to check/replace the water impeller and exhaust bellows if age is not known.

I'm curious if you guys can suggest a list of things I should plan on checking/replacing on the outdrive to ensure it runs for many more years. I have oriented myself with the basic vocab, but I'm a noob at outdrives, so feel free to explain in baby-terms. Post links to good youtube videos explaining processes if you have any.

Also, do I need to change any of the oils in the outdrive?

I found this kit for bellows and hoses, is this a good start? http://www.iboats.com/Transom-Seal-...3869141--session_id.773902617--view_id.172480

Thanks!

 

[Fun Times]

Chris...can you post a link to your YouTube channel. I'd love to see some of your videos. I'm about to post a new thread here on iboats about things I should be aware of/look at on my new MC-1 outdrive.

Thanks!

Hi there utskicat, welcome to iboats!

Unfortunately Chris may not see your post for a little while due to work duties and the job requires being out at sea for lengths at a time.

Please bear in mind that iboats forums prefers to keep topics that are over 90 days old to remain in the archives...For more detailed info covering older topics, please see the "Help Tip" at the top of the page...Thank you in advance for that.

Below is a link to many videos Chris has made over the years...Maybe they can be of assistance to you.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...gines-outdrives/604924-a-couple-of-new-videos

Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[fishrdan]

Bellows are a 5-year service item, so if it's been longer that, the transom reseal kit is a good idea. I would also replace the lower shift cable while in doing the work, but only with an OEM Quicksilver kit, it's worth the price over aftermarket cables (I learned the hard way). You'll also need some drain plug gaskets, pick up a 10-pack as they need to be changed each season during maintenance. You should also replace the water pump in the drive, or at least the impeller if the WP housing is in good shape. Also need a quad ring seal for the lube passage between the drive halves, pick up a pack of them too.

Inspect the drive lube when draining it to see if it's contaminated with water, or milky. If water or milky you need to pressure test the drive and replace the leaking seal(s), pressure testing should be done either way to ensure the drive is sealed properly. If you find the drive isn't holding pressure, you can buy seal kits for the lower unit, and upper unit.

Some of this work will require specialty tools, but at a bare minimum you should get an engine alignment tool, $50 off flEbay. I've made several tools while working on my drive, look up in the "adults only" section, here's one of mine; $3 Bellows Tool

You'll also need a good service manual, and can download one for free for your drive, and engine.

You mention being a noob, so.... Don't run the engine unless water is going to the drive using muffs. Don't run the engine with the drive full up, full down is best if clearance with the ground allows. Don't run the engine over 2500RPM on muffs. Drain the engine if it's going to freeze, and leave the drive down. Best to store the boat with the drive down, to relieve pressure on the bellows.

 

[NHGuy]

Watch the videos. Especially those that Chris posted.
For tools you didn't think of, you ought to have a fairly long 1/4" drive extension to reach the bellows clamps upon reassembly. Also a long small tipped straight bladed screwdriver for the same thing. I found that I used a flexy springy 1/4" extension a few times dong my Alpha 1 bellows, when starting clamp screws and running them down.
Read the archived stuff ahead if you can. It can be eye opening and save you time. Some of the things are not intuitive.