Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

[jelmore]

My Alpha 1 (1996) has a gear oil resivor mounted on top alternator side of engine that I can not keep full the oil leakes into the bilge I have replaced the hose and resivor but it continues to leak I can not tell where it is coming from I need to know what the oil in the resivor lubricates and do I have to use the resivor. When I check the oil in the drive itself it is OK ? any help would be greatley appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

Have you had the drive off yet? My bet is the bellows is full of oil and going through the gimbal bearing and into the bilge. Happens quite often.It's the front seal of the drive leaking into the bellows that causes the oil to be there.<br />Without that reservoir, you would have prbably lost the upper bearing and gears for lack of lubrication.

 

[jelmore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

Not yet After the first of the year I was going to take the boat to a mechanic and have him replace the shift cable (because after the engine is warm it cuts off between shifting gears) would this be a good time to have this checked? So this gear oil lubricates more than just the lower unit (I was told it only lubricated lower unit) I am new to inboards and stern drives thanks for your help!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

Yes, that reservoir only keeps the oil level in the outdrive up. But you make it sound like it's not having oil is a minor thing. Obviously you have never priced a new drive.<br />If I were you, I wouldn't run it again till you get it checked out and find out what's wrong. Sounds like you like to put repairs off way too long.<br />That drive should be pulled at least yearly for alignment, gimbal bearing and ujoints and bellows checks.

 

[jelmore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

I ment lubricates the lower unit (like on an outboard) I just purchased this boat in June/05 and have allready put it into storage for the winter. Can you explain to me what the "bellows" is thanks JC

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

Looks like you have some time on your hands.<br />Here is some reading for you.<br /><br /> Mercruiser Alpha I Gen II Service Manual <br /><br /> Mercruiser 3.0L Engine Service Manual

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

In addition to the links Don posted above, here is another good site to look at: Merc Stuff Look especially at the link called "How Do I?"<br /><br />The outdrive on an I/O is comparable to the "lower unit" of an outboard with the exception that the entire outdrive - which has an upper and lower part, is full of lube.

 

[jelmore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha 1 drive

Thanks for the info I was misinformed about the upper half.