outdrive replacement/bellows

[mattyjivs]

I recently purchased a 17' thundercraft,has a 120hp mercruiser i/o,seller told me upper-unit was bad,well the complete outdrive was shot,I removed outdrive last night and water came out as soon as I loosened the nuts on the outdrive,I pulled off and could see water inside the bellows area,any ideas on how extensive this repair may be?I fired engine after outdrive was removed,just to make sure she would run and she fired right up.Also I purchased a used alpha 1 off e-bay,how can I be sure this outdrive is o.k.,any input/info would be very helpful/appreciated,thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: outdrive replacement/bellows

An OEM manual is the only way to go. The Seloc, etc. manuals in my opinion aren't worth the paper they're written on. My $.02

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: outdrive replacement/bellows

This should cover at least most of the general procedure........
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
But, what you really need is Merc. manual #1......
Your ujoint bellows are probably bad & the gimbal bearing......
Soak the keeper pins real good with Kroil for removal, then the hinge pins can either be knocked inward for removal or pulled with a threaded rod like you would do a pulley.....
Beyond pressure testing the drive, the only way to truly test it would be to put it on.....
I would not see a problem testing it on muffs, as a temporary check, but do not put the boat in the water without verifying the integrity of the bellows.......​

 

[mattyjivs]

Re: outdrive replacement/bellows

thanks for the info,will buy manual and hope all goes well,will let ya know how things turn out,appreciate the replies,thanks again