Transmisson

[surfjaxuga]

I know this is going to sound really dumb but I have looked everywhere and can not find it.

I have a mercruiser mcm 5.0 litre 305 cid and can not find where to check the transmisson fluid. It is a new to me boat and I am trying to go through everything before I have any issues

 

[GA_Boater]

Ignore the outboard, which type of drive moves your boat?

 

[surfjaxuga]

Its a sterndrive or i/o

 

[achris]

Its a sterndrive or i/o

Doesn't have a 'transmission' as such. The drive is 'hard coupled' to the engine. You may have a drive oil monitor bottle mounted on the engine, keep an eye on that. If you don't have that, then you check the oil level in the drive by taking the top 'vent' plug out and ensuring that oil level is at that plug.

To change the gear oil in the drive. Use the correct oil (Merc High Performance Gear Lube), remove both top and bottom screws and allow the oil to drain out. Refill by filling from the bottom until oil starts flowing form the top. It's critically important you fill from the bottom up...

Chris......

 

[Rick Stephens]

I really like that you are focused on checking everything. A new to you used boat was an old boring ride to someone else that the proper maintenance must be assumed was not done, for a long time. You have to assume none of it was and now you need to go through all of it. That means getting your hands on the actual Mercruiser maintenance manuals. You can buy them, you can use the online versions or you can beg for PDF downloads for them. You need the real deal though. No after market manuals are worth the paper printed on. Next, go through everything.

And now that you own the boat, post the model year and serial numbers in your signature. That way we can directly help you without guessing what you have.

Congrats on the new barge!

Rick

 

[achris]

Just to add to Rick's comments. Post the engine and drive serial numbers in the first post of any new thread (or do what a lot of us do, put your engine information, don't care what boat it's in, into your signature. See mine and Rick's as an example). Don't assume anything. If you don't KNOW, ask. Nothing worse than 'I did ..., now I can't...' An example. Replacing the shift cable. Far too many people blissfully pull the old cable out, then come here asking how to get the new one in and running the right path... The right answer is that you tie a draw cord to the old one BEFORE it's pulled out. Once it's out, too late!

No penalty for asking question...I'd far rather answer 100 'how to do', than one 'how to fix'...

Also, look in the stickies. An absolute treasure trove of incredible information in those...

Good luck, happy boating, and looking forward to answering your questions in the near and far future.

Chris.......

 

[GA_Boater]

You should also consider replacing the impeller before finding out you should have when the motor overheats. Look at the stickies on top of the Mercruiser section. A wealth of information and that's where I got the picture of the drive trains.

 

[Scott Danforth]

along with the impeller, suggest checking the u-joints, gimbal and tossing in a bellows kit.

 

[nola mike]

^^
Pulling the drive, checking/lubing driveshaft/gimbal, checking alignment, changing gear oil, replacing impeller (most recommend every other year), checking bellows (new boat I'd do them, I replaced mine 10 years later and they were still in good shape), lubing the zerks on the drive, gimbal, and coupler (if they're present). All that is yearly maintenance. The merc manual has a good check list of what needs done, check out Rick's links. Other things I'd do with a new boat off the top of my head:
Change oil
Change points/condenser/set dwell/timing if applicable to your model
Change plugs
Check compression (for a baseline, if not done already--extra credit)
Rotor/cap (if applicable)
Check lower shift cable for smooth movement (extra credit if you don't have shifting issues)
Check all wiring for ripped insulation, rub points on the engine, etc.

 

[QBhoy]

Really refreshing to see such patience and kind minded help and advice being offered here. From some of the most experienced guys on here as well. Great work guys. Certainly worth highlighting such a thing.

I only take part in two such forums. This one and a U.K. one. The latter, when dealing with such a post would be more than likely, not responded to with such genuine kind hearted newbie assistance. More often that not, the smart asses would have a field day.
well done guys !!

 

[GA_Boater]

Really refreshing to see such patience and kind minded help and advice being offered here. From some of the most experienced guys on here as well. Great work guys. Certainly worth highlighting such a thing.

I only take part in two such forums. This one and a U.K. one. The latter, when dealing with such a post would be more than likely, not responded to with such genuine kind hearted newbie assistance. More often that not, the smart asses would have a field day.
well done guys !!

We have the occasional lucid moment. :lol:

 

[QBhoy]

We have the occasional lucid moment. :lol:

Haha. This lucky fella must have caught you all in a good mood perhaps !!

 

[harringtondav]

...ask an iBoats expert what time it is, and he'll tell you how to build a watch. :happy: @surfjaxuga ,stay connected to this forum and it's pros. There is a bottomless pit of knowledge here.