Store outdrive up or down, leaking trim cylinders

[Sharps-Nut]

I have a 1977 caravelle with 250 inline 6 165 hp mercruiser. This is the first season with this boat or any boat for me. I store the boat indoors in the dry. Should I store the boat with the outdrive up or down between outings and long term,like over the winter? Also the last two times I used the boat it required toping off the trim cylinder resevor for it to lift the outdrive. The leak seems to be inside as no oil is appearing on the cement floor. Best guess on whats up there, big deal to fix or little deal. I have tools and am some idea how to use them, but have lacke the time to give it a good looking over. Thanks Sharps-Nut

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Store outdrive up or down, leaking trim cylinders

SN,store with o/d in the down position so the bellows is not stretched or crimped for an extended period of time.Keep the fluid topped off and at the end of the season take the o/d off and have it pressure checked.I had a small leak coming from the bottom of the resovoir cannister so check around before you come to any conclusions.Charlie

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Store outdrive up or down, leaking trim cylinders

S/N, I am assuming that this configuration has the pump/resivor compo. typicaly on the starboard side of the engine. The "o" ring seal goes bad and has to be replaced, I have even been able to install 2- "o" rings to seal up the slop. However, since you would rather "do anything other than work", I suggest that you have, and probably pay some one else, another set of eyes look and see if this unit, (pump/resivor), is even leaking. If this is not leaking, find the leak elsewere. Or....you can always remove the trim cylinders and carry a short 2X4 to stuff in the gimbel housing to prop your outdrive up. carol

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: Store outdrive up or down, leaking trim cylinders

Thanks for the info Steve. I suppose my humor at the time I signed up here might have been a little bit of a stretch, or at least wishful thinking. I seem to get into alot of that work thing, sometimes by choice other times forced march. You are absolutely correct on the pump set up. I have only had the boat out four times this year and all was fine until the last two. I will look into the oring situation. I have restored old cars from the ground up but don't know beans about boats. Have a feeling I'm about learn. Thanks for the help. Sharps-Nut

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Store outdrive up or down, leaking trim cylinders

Take a good look at the reservoir if the o-rings are OK, I had one that was cracked on a seam.