Outdrive

[dclynch]

So I am a newbie to boat ownership. I purchased a boat from a friend it is very good shape. It is a 2003 and he bought it new. I have had it this will be my 3rd season. The fall before I purchased it he had the lower unit pulled and new gaskets, gimble bearing and some other things done. I have not yet pulled the drive off and am guessing I should have done this already to grease things. Is this a difficult job ? Any gotchas? I will post the S/N number when I get home, It is a Merc Cruiser 5.0

 

[thumpar]

It is easy to pull the drive. I could pull and install my Alpha in 10 minutes by myself. Just follow the manual.

 

[MarkSee]

Welcome to IBOATS and congratulations on wanting to tackle some of the maintenance items yourself.

Your engine could mean either an alpha gen 2 drive or a bravo drive so the s/n will help narrow that down and point you to the correct Mercury service manuals which has the procedures to follow and good information on what the basic yearly maintenance items are which yes, doing them annually is recommended.

There will be some special lubricants/grease to you also with minimal special tools needed for doing basic maintenance.

Are you a fresh water boater or salt or some combination? This can make a difference on some maintenance items.

Knowing the gimbal bearing has been replaced is good and hopefully the u-joint bellows also but find out what you can from your friend what else has been done and start a log of maintenance.


Mark