Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

[Regal-89]

I had my boat hooked up on the muffs last night washing and cleaning the boat out. I have had it on the muffs before, but I guess never really paid much attention on where water comes out of the drive. I have an 89' 3.7 Mercruiser Alpha one, some of the water was coming out through the prop, then some on the side of the drive through a small hole, and then a decent amount of water was coming through the back of the drive close to the rear of the boat. Is this normal?? I did have the drive down (I was told it should be) is that correct? Any help would be appreciated. The boat drives fine, but I wanted to make sure a hose hasn't come off and needed something replaced.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

Yes keep the drive down anytime the motor is running. Water will exit through the prop, and the lower part of housing. The water coming out the side, I don't know about.

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

The water you describe sounds normal to me. Yes, down is good. I try to get mine below the top of the trim limit as a minimum. If you have any trouble getting it that far down, drop the front of the trailer a little.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

Run it trimmed all the way down .Take an ice pick and push it through the center of the muff and into the intake vents so the muffs dont slide off when you are not watching.The exhaust water will come out the sides until the thermostat opens and then will go through the prop.ALWAYS turn the water on BEFORE starting the motor and turn the water off AFTER you turn off the motor.Charlie

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

CC,<br /><br />Just to clarify, so that we don't give conflicting info. Why is it necessary to trim ALL of the way down on the muffs when you can run full power and full speed with it trimmed (not tilted) all the way up in the water?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

When I say all the way down ,I mean not tilted up.When you state that you can run full power and full speed trimmed "all the way up" it is not really up at all.It is still in the down position with a minimal angle change.The more the o/d is up ,the more stress there is in the ujoints.Thats why you dont start the motor with the drive in the up position.When you are drydocked and running on muffs the term trimmed is not really used because trimming is done when you are under way and navigating.Are we on the same page ????Charlie

 

[Regal-89]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

Thanks for the help guys, this puts my mind at eaz big time. Thanks

 

[QC]

Re: Water coming out - Alpha One Drive

CC,<br /><br />Exactamente. Saying the same thing, just wanted to make sure we were not confusing anyone. I use Trim and Tilt to differentiate. Totally understand the U-joint thing.