outdrive

[Cool It]

Hey guys I have a 2000 searay with a 5.7 EFI /Bravo two mercruiser-my question is do I have to have the outdrive removed every year when I winterise or can I do it every other year-trying to save some money this year-I usually shrink wrap tp but thinking about not doing that this year as well-the price on that has gone up -of course once petrolium goes up so does everthing else. Also one more question about the spring-I just had a tune up in the begining of the season plugs-cap-rotor-thermostat-fuel filter--should I have to do that every season or can I go every other-as you see I would really like to just save money on this boat for the winter and following spring -but I dont want to not do something that I really should OK thanks any opinion will help me decide

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: outdrive

Yes, the drive should be removed once a year to lube the ujoints....
If you want to save money, I suggest you learn how to R & R the drive yourself, it is not that hard....
The investment in the tools required will pay for themselves the first time....
A full tune up as you describe does not need to be done every year....
Though I would change the water separating fuel filter every year......

 

[Cool It]

Re: outdrive

Thanks -I dont think I can do it myself-I can do some small stuff -But I dont think I want to take the drive off -and I store the boat in a marina so they would still have to store the drive- now I guess your also saying that the drive needs to come off and get serviced -pressure test etc?

 

[zzzzz]

Re: outdrive

bare minimum - change oil & filter and change gear oil before storing

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: outdrive

Not neccessarily pressure tested, but the gear oil should be drained & refilled at least once a year as well as the u joints checked & the bellows cavity inspected for any signs of water intrusion.......
If your bellows is original, it is at the end of it's service life....

 

[Cool It]

Re: outdrive

Thanks -u joints were replaced this season as well as the bellows-also had the yolk and seal replaced so i spent some money on the drive etc-thats why this year Im trying to save!!