Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

[beason]

I have a 99 sea ray 180 with the merc 3.0l and alpha outdrive. I am pretty sure it is the gen 2.

I have a busted shift bellows, and will be replacing this. I will replace all the other bellows, along with the gimbal bearing, and water impeller. The boat is 12 years old and i dont know when they were done before.

Here is my shopping list so far. I would like some advice on where to purchase the items as cost effectively as possible, and to make sure i didn't leave anything out. I have a friend that used to do boat mechanical work, and he has all the tools needed. I just need to get the parts.

Shopping list:

shift cable kit (this comes with the bellows)
exhaust bellows
drive shaft bellows
bellows cement
gimbal bearing
shift cable seal
water impeller


what do i need to get as MERC parts, and what can i get away with aftermarket?

Will i have to drain the lower to replace the impeller?

If so i will need oil, and the oil pump kit to fill it.

If anyone has links to the parts i need that would help tremendously.

I also plan to change the prop from a 21p (speed prop) to a 19p prop. I found this one, that looks to come with everything needed. Any caution on this brand?

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/Me..._992004_Propeller/437/1130/?*******=626107417

What does the DIA of the prop do for me? Im not sure what size i have now.

I see this one which is slightly larger in DIA.

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/Me...-153-19_Propeller/437/9546/?*******=510407331

we use the boat primarily for cruising the lake, and tubing, but i got some wake boards for next year.

 

[AviatorJim]

Re: Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

You will need a gasket kit for reinstalling the drive. You can get it as part of a kit for installing many of the parts you are changing. Just depends on if you want to shop for kits or individual pieces.

I use aftermarket amd Merc parts. Sierra has been in the business a long time.

You can order parts from I-boats. You need to know for sure if your drive is Gen-2.

You need to drain the oil to split the drive for the water pump. So you will need new oil, your buddy should have a pump. Also be sure to inspect and grease the u-joints while it is off, and make sure the grease passage to the gimbal bearing ins't blocked before you put in the new bearing.

You need to know what you don't like about your current prop, the RPM range it runs now, and if you will be increasing or reducing the load it carries and pulls. My boat is about the same as yours, and I don't get a dramatic difference between a 19 and 21. I go through a lot of props because I run in stumpy lakes. The 21 is a little faster, but I don't run wide open much. Hole shot for skiing is about the same.

Instead of the exhaust bellows I would go for the tube. It is a lot easier to install. I can't say it has made my boat any louder. Also change out the water pickup hose. It is cheap, and easier to do while you have it all apart.

-- Jim

 

[beason]

Re: Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

You will need a gasket kit for reinstalling the drive. You can get it as part of a kit for installing many of the parts you are changing. Just depends on if you want to shop for kits or individual pieces.

If someone could point me to a link for a kit to do the items i need done, that would be great!

I use aftermarket amd Merc parts. Sierra has been in the business a long time.

You can order parts from I-boats. You need to know for sure if your drive is Gen-2.

are there any parts you or others advise to ONLY use merc? I will verify the gen before ordering

You need to drain the oil to split the drive for the water pump. So you will need new oil, your buddy should have a pump. Also be sure to inspect and grease the u-joints while it is off, and make sure the grease passage to the gimbal bearing ins't blocked before you put in the new bearing.

good point! any idea if i should replace the u joints? are the factory ones grease-able?

You need to know what you don't like about your current prop, the RPM range it runs now, and if you will be increasing or reducing the load it carries and pulls. My boat is about the same as yours, and I don't get a dramatic difference between a 19 and 21. I go through a lot of props because I run in stumpy lakes. The 21 is a little faster, but I don't run wide open much. Hole shot for skiing is about the same.

The current prop doesnt give me the take off i want, and at WOT i am low on the RPM. Ive done the proper research on which pitch to get, but now would like advice on brand.

Instead of the exhaust bellows I would go for the tube. It is a lot easier to install. I can't say it has made my boat any louder. Also change out the water pickup hose. It is cheap, and easier to do while you have it all apart.

Do you have pics, or a link to the tube you refer to? Ive never heard of this. Also same question on the water pickup hose. Is that the one that connects the lower to the engine for cooling water?

-- Jim

Thanks for the advice Jim!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

IMHO OEM Mercruiser driveshaft bellows.

 

[AviatorJim]

Re: Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Accessories/dm/

That is the link to get your parts. You do need to know the model of drive you have. Having a serial number will make sure you know you have the right parts, some things (but none of the ones you are talking about) change in the middle of a model year.

Some U-joints have grease fittings, some don't. Mine came from NAPA, and they do.

I accept the fact that I will need to do maintenance every year. My boats also live mostly on the trailer, so a torn boot is unlikely to sink me. But if you do keep it in the water, the mercruiser boots are thicker and last longer. How much longer, I wouldn't dare guess.

Choosing a prop is an art. But if you have a friend to trade props with so you can see what you will get it is worth trying. Or maybe you have a marina who will let you rent, or exchange props until you find the right one. But coming down 2 inches in pitch would be a good start.

Stainless will have a thinner blade, so better performance, but can overwhelm the cossosion control anodes (depending on where you boat). And then there are 4 blade or 3 considerations. Personally I just go with a 3 blade aluminum prop. I don't need the absolute best performance out of mine.
--Jim

 

[beason]

Re: Shopping list for winter repairs. need advice.

I will check out the link. Im hoping i can call someone who is knowledgeable and they can help me to make sure i have everything i need.

Mine stays on the trailer as well, and like you i know there will be maintenance to perform, but i hope to not have to drop the lower unit for as long as possible.

I am going to stay with aluminum. the lake i spend most of my time in is shallow, with a narrow channel. After hurricane Ike came through, there is no telling what is at the bottom of that lake. Plus is tidal, plus salt water.

thanks for the info, and happy boating.