Alignment Tools, Impeller, Etc.

[PITBoat]

I'm getting dangerously close to pulling my drive off finally. Should I spring for the "A.A Alignment Tool Gimbal Bearing Seal Bellow Tool Set Mercruiser, OMC, Volvo 91-805475A1" set, or just get an alignment tool?

I'm planning to get the transom service kit also. I know I need an exhaust bellows. I was gonna hold off on the kit that has the cable in it, until I see if mine's ok.

I've got a shift cable tool set ordered, as well as the model-specific service manual, owners manual, and parts catalog ($180 for those 3...).

Can the impeller be inspected w/o having to immediately change any gaskets? I'm trying to have all I need on hand as much as possible.

 

[Scott Danforth]

just get the impeller kit with the gaskets. dont assume inspection, assume replacment.

get the whole kit with tool and bearing driver.

if you need an exhaust bellows, good chance the u-joint bellows is shot anyway.

you will most likely find a surprise if you have not been pulling your drive every year for your annual inspection.

 

[Lou C]

If you're doing this work I would recommend:
standard alignment tool works fine
the exhaust bellows, it does not matter if it has cracks and it is supposed to be slit on the bottom, keep in mind you need a snap ring pliers to get the snap ring that retains the back end of it off...
If you change the d/s bellows, go OEM for that, for sure. Look for small cracks in the folds...
For the gimble bearing, you check it by turning it by hand, it should turn very smoothly, you can grease it via the grease fitting on the side, while turning it to spread the grease out.
When you pull the drive if you see signs of water and rust figure on replacing the gimble bearing and also check the u joints for stiffness or looseness, grease them also...
The driveshaft splines should be greased with OMC triple guard grease
Check the splines in the coupler (bright LED flashlight, they should be squared off not pointed)
the impeller, if you are going to inspect it you have to change the gaskets, there is an o-ring gasket that fits in the housing, and a paper gasket for the wear plate (I suggest getting an OE repair kit for the impeller, Sierra will work but I feel OEM is better, you can order them from any Evinrude dealer).
The gasket between the drive and the pivot housing, that can be Sierra, I used them many times but do get a can of OMC gasket sealer, it really helps seal all the gaskets.

 

[PITBoat]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I have to do it myself. I'm not a year into it yet so I haven't personally had the drive off, and the last time is unknown.

So the impeller and that is "cheap" compared to some of this other stuff. I'll go ahead and order that too. I was reading the NTSB report about the Island Lady that burned last January (FL), and it was likely due to a fresh water pump/impeller failure on the port engine (inadequate maintenance).

I put my plugs and stuff back in temporarily this evening just to see if it would start, and to circulate the oil and gas before I get into the drive maintenance. I was quite pleased that it started easily and ran really well. It had sat for nearly 5mos. I only ran it about 10min though: 1000rpm for a minute or two, then pulled back to idle, with a few light revs toward the end. Mighta shoulda let it go a little longer.

While I had it running, I tried the trick of lifting the little lever for the ESA(?) switch too to see how that worked. It did.