Summer prep

[Keith7481]

Hi all,
had to switch mechanics at the end of last season and had a new guy winterize. I called him today to double check on his process and it doesn't sound like he did any lubrication as my previous guy did. While I'm going to consider looking for a more thorough mechanic, I'm also going to consider doing the summer prep myself. Am mostly concerned about lubrication points. Have a 98' OMC with GM motor and Volvo outdrive which I had rebuilt (was found to be problematic during regular maintanenc) two years ago and I've checked the drive fluid regularly, no problems. I found a zerk fitting on the starboard side of the outdrive near the transom which I expect is for the gimbal. I'm wondering if there are other difficult to see/find grease fittings in the engine compartment. Other regular lubrication points I should consider?? As always, comments are greatly appreciated. Keith

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Summer prep

You should be pulling your drive annually or at least semi annually to check the condition of the u-joints and gimbal bearing and to make sure there is no water in the bellows.

You should also be draining and refilling your gear oil annually as well as your engine oil

U-joint bellows should also be replaced every 5 years and water pump impeller every 2-3 years.

 

[Keith7481]

Re: Summer prep

Thanks Bruce, bellows were replaced with rebuild and I had him change the impeller with the winterization, forgot to mention that. I do the engine oil. Any other lubrication points other than what you had suggested?