U-joint Bellow Question???????

[lil_no]

Hi,

I have a 1987 SeaRay Seville BR with a 3.0L and 3.0L alpha one outdrive. About a year ago the u-joint bellow, u-joints, and gimbal bearing were all replaced. When I took my boat out for the first time this year (July 5th). The day after I notice gear oil in the floor. I drained the outdrive to check and replace the gear lube and noticed water coming out of the drive.

Long story short, I brought the boat from my father in-law and he had all the previous outdrive work performed. When he took the boat back to the shop where he had the work done, they said water was getting into the u-joint bellow due to running the boat out of the water or with the drive up. There are two cuts in the bellow on the outer ridges. Is their theory possible as to how the bellow was cut? The boat was never ran with the drive in the fully up position and it was ran out of the water to flush the outdrive when the boat was taken out crabbing. While flushing the outdrive was down. Is the shop trying to pull a fast one because a defective u-joint bellow was installed?

Thanks.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

Welcome to iboats.....
What neighborhood ya from?.......
Their reasoning sounds lame to me......
That will not be a cheap fix.....
The problem with getting any recourse will be that I'm sure the work is only warrenteed for a certain amount of time......​

 

[lil_no]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

Des Moines.

Yeah, they said the outdrive need to be replaced. Their cost was around $2500.00 for a used one and $5000 for a rebuild. When it was originally serviced, the in-laws took it out and the gear all went out. Father in-law took it back to them and they supposely fixed it but now I'm not sure they fixed it properly. I think it was a quick fix with them knowing a more expensive fix would come down the line. I would never recommend them.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

They don't sound to reputable......
Well, you can get a new SEI aftermarket for $1195 shipped & you will most likely need to redo your gimbal bearing & of course the bellows.....
The parts & tools will cost about $200 to do it + your time if you think you have the mechanical ability to turn some wrenches......
Here is a free link link to the manual for your drive & associated repairs....
Click on the lettered sections & click to download the section you want to view.........http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf....​

 

[lil_no]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

Is the SEI aftermarket replacement any good? I've been reading on some other sites and there are mixed reviews about the SEI outdrive.

Would you risk buying a used one? If so, what the best method to make sure you're not getting a lemon?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I can normally take things apart and put them back together with very few or no parts left over. This is my first boat I've owned outright. Is there a dealer or repair shop that you would recommend locally. BTW, what neighborhood are u in?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

Is the SEI aftermarket replacement any good? I've been reading on some other sites and there are mixed reviews about the SEI outdrive.
I have no personal experience with SEI, but they have received good reviews from people on this site who have them....
I do know the paint has issues if you moor in salt water, but it sounds like you trailer......

Would you risk buying a used one? If so, what the best method to make sure you're not getting a lemon?
Ya don't know what you are gonna get, & the SEI comes with a three year warranty...
I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I can normally take things apart and put them back together with very few or no parts left over. This is my first boat I've owned outright. Is there a dealer or repair shop that you would recommend locally.
No, I do my own work
BTW, what neighborhood are u in?

Greenwood......

 

[lil_no]

Re: U-joint Bellow Question???????

Thanks, Haut Medoc.

I'll keeping doing my homework. Sounds a like a project during the rainy season.

Once again, thanks for your input.