removing 470 quick question

[natemoore]

I'm removing the engine today and tomorrow. I'm a little confused by the Mercruiser manual.

When it says I have to remove the "stern drive," which part does it mean? All of it? Just the part that has the prop and comes off with six bolts (once the trim cylinders are removed), or also the gimbal, or also the bell housing?

I'll go get started and await your reply.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[Bondo]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Just the part that has the prop and comes off with six bolts (once the trim cylinders are removed),

Ayuh,.... That part...

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Ayuh,.... That part...

Uh. Is this normal?

http://s622.photobucket.com/albums/tt308/natemoore_2009/stern%20drive/?albumview=grid

 

[ljs22]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Looks like lube leaking from the short shaft seal mixing with water from a leaky bellows. BTW not normal.

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Looks like lube leaking from the short shaft seal mixing with water from a leaky bellows. BTW not normal.

So, I guess I'll be rebuilding the drive unit after I rebuild the engine? Will that be a breeze compared to the engine?

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Looks like lube leaking from the short shaft seal mixing with water from a leaky bellows. BTW not normal.

Sorry, just trying to get the terminology down. Is the short shaft the same as the "yoke, gear end," part number 46020T02 if you look here http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_pictures3.asp?dnbr=%2099964&ivar=IMAGES/CRUISER/99964/30066.png&inbr=2203&bnbr=70&bdesc=DRIVESHAFT+HOUSING+AND+DRIVE+GEARS

Thanks,
Nate

 

[meesh]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Yes that is the part. Rebuilding the lower will require a good deal of mechanical experience and a lot of expesive tools. Best left to the pros.

 

[ljs22]

Re: removing 470 quick question

I second that. I am currently going through the same problem. There is a lot of shimming and bunch of spcialized tools required to re-seal one of those drives. If it is just matter of the one seal needing replacement it isn't a big deal, but
i am sure by looking at that you are looking at a seal, a yoke and new u-joints at the minimum. The costs and "while you are at its" add up real quick.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Did you drain the outdrive? Does the oil look the same, milky? If it does you need a re-seal. Had mine done this spring by Mercruiser dealer, new yolk, u-joints, seals, carrier assembly (broke taking apart), impeller, gaskets etc. + labor.... $1200. A new SEI...... $1195. Will never have mine rebuilt again.

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Did you drain the outdrive? Does the oil look the same, milky? If it does you need a re-seal. Had mine done this spring by Mercruiser dealer, new yolk, u-joints, seals, carrier assembly (broke taking apart), impeller, gaskets etc. + labor.... $1200. A new SEI...... $1195. Will never have mine rebuilt again.

I'll drain this morning and report back.

What do you mean by "a new SEI.....$1195." Are you saying you spent $2395?!?!?!?!

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Yes that is the part. Rebuilding the lower will require a good deal of mechanical experience and a lot of expesive tools. Best left to the pros.

I have successfully rebuilt a manual transmission, and I mean I had it completely apart. However, I looked at the number and costs of the tools I'd have to buy, and that may be a show stopper, although I'm good at reverse engineering tools.

One of my wife's coworker's husband is a boat mechanic who needs work. Maybe I can pay him to help me rebuild it, assuming he can bring his tools.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: removing 470 quick question

What do you mean by "a new SEI.....$1195." Are you saying you spent $2395?!?!?!?!

I guess I worded that wrong. Had I opted for a new SEI (sterndrive engineering) outdrive it would have cost less than the rebuild.

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

I guess I worded that wrong. Had I opted for a new SEI (sterndrive engineering) outdrive it would have cost less than the rebuild.

Phew! That's better.

I removed the plug from the drive shaft housing (up top) and the gear oil was normal looking; no signs of water at all.

I also removed the drain plug from the propeller shaft gear housing. It is a bit dirty but otherwise looks free of water.

So, where is this oil meringue in the u-joint bellows coming from? Is it likely that the short yoke's oil seal is leaking oneway ? Is there any other place this oil could come from?

Thanks all

 

[stonyloam]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Phew! That's better.

I removed the plug from the drive shaft housing (up top) and the gear oil was normal looking; no signs of water at all.

I also removed the drain plug from the propeller shaft gear housing. It is a bit dirty but otherwise looks free of water.

So, where is this oil meringue in the u-joint bellows coming from? Is it likely that the short yoke's oil seal is leaking oneway ? Is there any other place this oil could come from?

Thanks all

No water is a great sign. There are two plugs in the outdrive (alpha) one on top and one on the bottom. The one on top is a vent and when you drain the outdrive you remove both plugs. When you refill you leave the top plug out and fill from the bottom (I use a little pump with a hose that screws into the bottom hole). Fill until oil comes out of the top hole. Actually you are kind of right the seal is designed to keep water out of the drive (less so the oil in) and it could be that some gear lube is in fact leaking into the bellows and mixing with water. It could probably use a new seal, but it looks like you are in pretty good shape outdrive wise.

 

[ljs22]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Be aware that there should never normally be water in the u-joint bellows. Since there was it probably rusted your short yoke and cause the seal to leak at least a little lube. I would at least replace that seal because you will not want to have to do it again! That job only requires one special tool, but if you are careful you can use something else to remove the large toothed nut that holds the short yoke and bearings in. Then it is a mater of reassembling to specs and hoping it holds. If the short yoke is grooved from the seal you will have to replace or somehow resurface it. Like I Said I am in the same boat. AT least your lower seems to be good.

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

No water is a great sign. There are two plugs in the outdrive (alpha) one on top and one on the bottom. The one on top is a vent and when you drain the outdrive you remove both plugs. When you refill you leave the top plug out and fill from the bottom (I use a little pump with a hose that screws into the bottom hole). Fill until oil comes out of the top hole. Actually you are kind of right the seal is designed to keep water out of the drive (less so the oil in) and it could be that some gear lube is in fact leaking into the bellows and mixing with water. It could probably use a new seal, but it looks like you are in pretty good shape outdrive wise.

Thanks, Terry. I've been needing some good news on this boat that "runs good." And you also answered another question. I was wondering if the top and bottom used the same oil, or if they were separate units.

 

[natemoore]

Re: removing 470 quick question

Be aware that there should never normally be water in the u-joint bellows. Since there was it probably rusted your short yoke and cause the seal to leak at least a little lube. I would at least replace that seal because you will not want to have to do it again! That job only requires one special tool, but if you are careful you can use something else to remove the large toothed nut that holds the short yoke and bearings in. Then it is a mater of reassembling to specs and hoping it holds. If the short yoke is grooved from the seal you will have to replace or somehow resurface it. Like I Said I am in the same boat. AT least your lower seems to be good.

This is kind of funny. I was only going to spend $2000 on a fixer-upper, but my wife convinced me to spend a couple thousand more for one in better shape, so we could start enjoying it right away. Anyway, I'm pulling the engine now. Thanks for the info and advice.

Nate

 

[stonyloam]

Re: removing 470 quick question

I was wondering if the top and bottom used the same oil, or if they were separate units.

All one chamber. You fill it from the bottom to eliminate air bubbles being trapped inside. Just keep pumping till it comes out the top hole.. You can do that after you put the drive back on the boat, don't forget.