Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

[Dreddrs25]

Had forward gear go out on my Mercury 115 I-6 over the weekend. Reverse is working but the controller is really stiff going into reverse. Very loose going into forward. Had the boat only three weeks. She has always gone into gear rough and was slipping a bit until she planed out.

Wanted to see what it would cost to have the LU fixed up?

Found a local marine mechanic (43 yrs experience) through a friend of the family. He said they would probably replace all the seals, oil, and determine if the forward gear can be recut (if not he has to order an entire gear set brand new). He also is recommending that I have the waterpump replaced while everything is taken apart. He's trying to help me keep the costs down.

Does this sound like a $1000 or $2000 repair?

TIA

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

That will not be a cheap repair. Other alternatives are to buy a replacement (used) gear case. I-Boats sells them, as do junk yards and e-Bay.

You might like to pull the LU off and see how it feels when you shift it manually. It should "click" into forward, neutral and reverse. It is possible you have a bent or stripped upper shift rod.

BTW, I never heard of "Recutting" the gear. From what I understand the forward gear has several hooks that catch the shift dog. It is therefore pretty robust in operation.

 

[Dreddrs25]

Re: Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

Dang. Figured it will cost a bit. This mech knows his stuff and I am hoping that my connection will help keep the cost down (at least on labor).

Does anything think this can be done in 1.5-2 weeks? Or I guess I should ask, about how long would this job generally take? For parts, he said he can get them overnight if need be.

For reference, this lower unit is original from 1984. The motor was rebuilt in 98, but nothing was worked on below the powerhead.

The "recutting" would only occur if the damage was isolated to the forward gear. He mentioned that if the splines were damaged the whole assembly would have to come out and be replaced.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

You can pick up a used unit and be using the boat in 2 hours. I also think you should price one out. The last time I checked, a used LU was less than $500. Browse on e-Bay to get a idea of price.

 

[Dreddrs25]

Re: Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

You can pick up a used unit and be using the boat in 2 hours. I also think you should price one out. The last time I checked, a used LU was less than $500. Browse on e-Bay to get a idea of price.

Just looked on ebay and your right. There are 10 or so between $200-500.

When I get the call from the mechanic (on the estimate) I'll see what he thinks. Your probably right about just buying a replacement instead of an overhaul. I didn't realize they are weren't too expensive used. Thx

 

[Dreddrs25]

Cost of rebuild or 'used' replacement

Cost of rebuild or 'used' replacement

Got a call back from the mechanic looking at my 'lower unit'. Says that the entire gear set is shot and prop will more than likely need to be rehubbed.

He quoted me $1700 for a complete rebuild of the LU (said that he could normally charge $2700 for the work). Does this sound reasonable?

Another shop I just called said that they could no longer order rebuilt units (they don't rebuild, just install a rebuilt unit), but would charge 6.5 hours of labor to install a rebuilt unit.

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Just bought the boat for $2000 three weeks ago (1984 Glastron cvx-16). And last week broke the LU.

Do I go for the fully rebuilt LU with a warranty or do I pick up a LU from ebay ~$300-500 and have that installed? I really just planned to have the boat for 2-3 years.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Q about 1984 I-6 115 LU Repairs

I think the $1700 for the rebuild is not a bad price, for the parts and labor involved. I would buy the used unit instead, however, since it is less than 1/3 of the price. T

The 6.5 hours for installation of a rebuilt unit is extremely excessive. Installation of a LU takes 15 minutes or less. I would not let them touch the motor, as they are either trying to rip you off, or are idiots. Now if that 6.5 hours includes rebuilding time, that makes more sense. I suppose they could put together a decent Lu from recycled parts in that amount of time. I just didn't think anyone would do that because of warantee issues, from using used parts.