3.0 LX cooling system

[Doubtless Bay]

I have a new to me 3.0 LX direct seawater cooled Mercruiser. It appears there is only the circulation poumpo on the engine for cooling or am I missing something? Is there a pump in the outdrive/how is cooling water supplied to the engine?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,....... The Alpha drive has a raw water pump in it to supply the water,....
The water pump on the front of the motor is just a circulator pump,.....

 

[Doubtless Bay]

Cool, where do I get at this pump?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... It's mounted to the top of the lower unit,.....

 

[Doubtless Bay]

Thanks, I'll split the unit and check it.

 

[Bondo]

The Alpha 1 needs a new impeller every year or two,.....

The Gen.IIs will last a year or two longer,....

 

[Doubtless Bay]

Alpha 1 for me. Thanks for all the help

 

[nola mike]

You should check your drive alignment, grease and check your gimbel bearing, coupler, and ujoints while you're in there. Maybe sure your bellows are in good shape and that your shift cable moves smoothly. Never inspect the impeller, just replace it. On a new to you, I'd order the whole impeller housing kit as well, if you're in a hurry to get back on the water. That may or may not need to be replaced, but if you're in a hurry it's better to have the parts on hand

 

[Doubtless Bay]

Thanks, I’ll do all that.

 

[Bt Doctur]

A manual is a must if you had to ask where the impeller is

 

[Lou C]

And be careful when removing bolts in aluminum housings like an outdrive. Take your time & don’t rush and if the Merc manual says to put Perfect Seal on the threads then do so because it prevents corrosion & seizing of bolts. I use OMC gasket sealer and it works great to prevent seizing.