How long does an outdrive last?
It’s also common to expect between 10-15 years out of a well-used sterndrive and transom assembly, and then it’s a matter of continual repairs or replacing it once and for all.
What is outdrive service?
March 5, 2020 /in BOATING TIPS & INSIGHTS /by Chicago Yacht. If you own a powerboat with an outdrive, the single most effective way to stay boating and out of the mechanic’s shop is annual outdrive service. Due to the underwater nature of the drive, this service must be performed out of the water.
How do I know if my bellows are leaking?
If it is leaking badly, you’ll hear a roaring sound coming from the back of the boat. That’s a sure sign. It’s basically water getting into the bearing grease and rusting the bearing. The bellows itself is the beefy rubber boot that goes from the transom assembly to the upper drive housing.
How do you know your outdrive is bad?
Bad outboard lower units can give the operator shifting issues, and other signs will include water in the gear lube, metallic particles on the drain screw magnet, clunking sounds when shifted, or the loss of the ability to shift into gears.
How much does a new outdrive cost?
New 2022 Mercury BRAVO-3 CLASSIC (Early Design) Outdrive – $7,595.00.
Is it OK to run boat at full throttle?
Does this mean an engine should never run at wide-open throttle (WOT)? Absolutely not. Modern engines are designed to handle WOT. Also, during break-in going to WOT, as prescribed by the owner’s manual, is necessary to properly seat the pistons’ rings.
Is 1000 hours a lot on a boat?
How many hours is good for a used boat? A used boat powered by an outboard motor or gas inboard with less than 1000 hours is a boat worth considering a purchase. A diesel-powered boat with 3000 to 5000 hours that has been maintained well is also a boat that may be worth owning.
How do you clean an outdrive?
Spray it with Algex. Let it work for about ½ hour, keeping it wet, brush it with a scrub brush and rinse it clean. If the paint is pitted or flaking, sand down the damaged areas and refinish the outdrive with “Mercury Quicksilver Phontom Black Enamel Spray Paint”. After it’s clean and dry, apply VS721 Bottom Coat.
What does a boat outdrive do?
Operation. The drive unit (outdrive) carries power from the inboard engine, typically mounted above the waterline, outboard through the transom and downward to the propeller below the waterline.The boat is steered by pivoting the outdrive, as on an outboard motor; no rudder is needed.
What is an outdrive engine on boat?
A stern-drive engine is attached through the transom to a drive unit (also called an “outdrive”) that is essentially the lower unit of an outboard. The engine turns a drive shaft that is attached to a propeller at the other end.
Should there be any water in the bilge?
This is normal and should not be a cause for concern as long as the water does not keep entering the boat. As long as the bilge pump is not running often, the amount of water in the bilge should be safe.
How often should I replace Mercruiser bellows?
every two years
Inspect the bellows annually and replace it every two years. Many, myself included, feel that if the drive is removed for inspection, you may as well just replace the bellows while you’re at it.
How long do outdrive bellows last?
Checking your bellows should be done annually and replaced when necessary. Please keep in mind that bellows are rubber and deteriorate over time. We have found that bellows life expectancy is about 6 years.
How much does it cost to rebuild a lower unit?
A typical set of parts for the gearcase can cost $500-600 and may go higher if the gearcase is severely damaged. If you have your local mechanic repair the lower unit, his labor will run about $300-400 for this type of repair.
How do I know if my outboard motor is good?
Give the outboard motor a thorough visual inspection. Check out the cowl to make sure it’s undamaged and in good condition. If the cowl looks brand new, make sure to ask why. Inspect the propeller for damage and for debris around the shaft.
How does water get into lower unit?
You have seals on both sides of your water pump. You can have a warped lower unit which will allow water to seep in; even with new seals. You can have a touch or roughness on a seal seat that doesn’t let a seal seal. Take the lower unit to a “good” dealer and have them go through your lower unit.
How do I know if I have Alpha 1 or 2?
The Alpha Gen II upper and lower housings are fastened together with two through bolts on either side of the drive along with the front and rear bolts, while the Gen 1 drives use one stud visible on either side. Alpha Ones have two studs under the ventilation plate just above the prop.
Are all Alpha One lower units the same?
All Alpha I’s Lower Unit (not the Pre Alpha with the lift ring/or the pre-load nipple on top of the shaft) are interchangeable. The difference in the gear ratio will be in the Upper Unit.
Are Alpha 1 drives good?
The Alpha One has earned a reputation as a value-priced outdrive propulsion system that delivers reliable speed. These factors combined make it a popular choice for budget conscious boaters that desire performance.
Can you rebuild an OutDrive?
Refurbished Replacement Outdrives
Refurbished outdrives can cost quite a bit less, but can still come with a warranty for your peace of mind. Jasper Marine remanufactures both engine and outdrives and rebuilds their products to at least OEM specs.
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