Reworking Stearn Drive

[GaBoy]

Have completely reworked and added new parts, impeller, gimble bearing, ujoints, new anode bolts, and new upper unit because of rust where anode bolts are located at 7 and 5 o'clock.

We are looking at putting the engine back in this weekend. Can ya'll tell me what else would be good to replace on the engine just for good behavior before we connect it back up to the stearn. The model is 86' Mercruiser GM 350/260 hp. I do plan to replace all belts, hoses, and other small items. Engine runs great. Should I put a double fuel filter system on the engine or just leave it as is?

While I have the engine out just want to know what's best to replace.

thx

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

If you use the boat in salt water, carefully inspect the oil pan for corrosion. You may want to repaint the pan too if there are chips so that rust doesn't get started and eat away your oil pan.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

Thanks for the good idea. We run in salt and fresh.

 

[mkast]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

Should I put a double fuel filter system on the engine or just leave it as is?
thx

What good would a double fuel filter do?

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

I had a fellow tell me once always put double fuel filters just to keep gas clean and stop any chance of trash or water.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

Depending on the vintage.... you should have an engine mounted canister type fuel filter.... You'll have a paper element in the carb too. Merc recomends a boat mounted fuel filter as well. So that's 3 in total.

You say that you replaced the ujoints and gimbal bearing... was there rust on the joints? Now would be a good time to check those bellows.
Also... an alignment bar is IMPERATIVE before ya go putting that drive back on.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

Very little surface rust and we did replace a water hose in the upper unit along with the bellows.

Thanks

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

Make sure you check carefully your exhaust manifolds and risers.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Reworking Stearn Drive

We have the risers off and are cleaning and checking them out.
Thanks for all the help.