3.7L Alpha 1 questions

[badkins50]

Ok I may sound dumb asking these question but other than changing the impeller and removing the outdrive, I've never worked an outdrive before. Right now I have the outdrive off and stored (so I can change the impeller in the warm basement this time).

I need to replace the water tube from the bell housing to the transom plate as it is dry rotted and cracking more than I like. I would also like to check the bellows and really go over everything. I have gone through manuals and researched online how to remove the bell housing but I just was to make sure.
Remove bellows clamps.
Remove shift cable.
Remove pivot pin on bottom.
Remove trim tab screws.
Is there anything else I need to know before I learn the hard way?

Oh yeah another question I have is, is there suppose to be fluid in both bellows? I noticed fluid laying in both after I removed the outdrive.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

What year 3.7? (Never mind, Found it in your other post) 87.
Just follow OEM manual #6 step by step,

No, there should not be any fluid in the top bellows (Ujoint bellows) it should be perfectly dry. The lower bellows is exhaust and will have water in it.

 

[badkins50]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

Thanks again Don. I think it would be wise just to buy the rebuild kit to replace both bellows and gaskets and tube, especially since everything will be apart and opened up anyway. I appreciate the help.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

I agree with your plan, except the part about replacing the exhaust bellows. New ones are a PAIN to put on. Unless your old one is COMPLETELY shot, then I would suggest putting it back on. It will be much easier, and has nothing to do with any kind of water intrusion / safety issues. If you do decide to replace the exhaust bellows, you might want to look into the exhaust tube instead of the bellows - again for the sake of ease of installation.

 

[wallerus]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

REPLACE THE GIMBLE BEARING while you are doing the bellows. Make sure you completely clean the mating surfaces of the bellows and use the proper sealant.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

Nomenclature failure. You made me think when you said water tube. Most of us think of the brass or copper tube that go into the water pump housing and up into the upper drive. But I figured our the were talking about the water hose.
Kind of a PITA to replace but if you are that far into it well worth doing.

If there was drive oil in your bellows you probably have the leak at the drive shaft seals.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

Remove pivot pin on bottom.

Maybe some confusion here, maybe just mixed nomenclature: You have hinge pins (up down rotation) on the sides of the gimbal ring that have to be removed to remove the bellhousing, and you have a lower swivel shaft on the bottom of the gimbal ring (side to side movement) that does not have to be removed.

 

[badkins50]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

Fishermark - thanks for the heads up on the exhaust bellow.
wallerus - the kit I was looking at included the gimbal bearing as well.
cr2k - sorry for the confusion there, yeah I meant the water hose.
stonyloam - thanks for straightening me out on what needs done, I would have gotten myself in a serious mess, or at least scratching my head for a bit and running back to you guys looking for answers.

This is why I love this site! Hopefully I get a chance to sneak off into the garage and get started on this little project with having the family in town for the holidays. Thanks again for all your help, it is much appreciated. I'm sure I'll be back.

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

The one good thing about following the OEM service manual, is if you do have a problem with a particular part of the procedure, you can always reference a section and page number of the manual, then, we all know for sure what is being asked.
Here's a link to the manual for your drive, just in case you didn't already have it.
http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

 

[badkins50]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

Sorry everyone, I haven't had much time to even look at the boat let alone start working on it. With the holidays being here and snow flying and a new baby coming December 18th I am trying to get as much done as possible and still maintain my sanity. I'll update as soon as I can. Thanks again.

 

[badkins50]

Re: 3.7L Alpha 1 questions

I was able to get everything replaced (except gimbal bearing and exhaust bellows) as it was brought to my attention by mr don, under certain circumstances I didn't need to. The liquid was from leaky seal on the upper that has been rebuilt. I tell you that manual (6) is just the best, right along with you iboaters. Thanks again.