Alpha Paint Question

[76SeaRay]

First, I should explain that my posts of questions seem to be jumping between topic areas. They are as I have things in my shop organized so I can easily switch to another part of the project and because I am simultaneously working on the engine assembly, alpha rebuild, and the stringers/floor/et al... When I get stuck in one area or have to wait, I move to another area to keep the work moving forward. Right now I am waiting for engine parts so back to the sterndrive restoration.

I just finished painting all the sterndrive parts. First was two coats of DP90 epoxy primer and then two coats of 4K high build primer. Now that I have done that, it dawned on me that I should have checked about painting the seal areas (gimbal housing to transom and exhaust bull horns to gimbal housing) and if that is acceptable. All of the parts were blasted including the seal areas (light corrosion there). In the pictures, I just started sanding the high build getting ready for the single stage finish coat in gloss black. So, you can see where I primed both the locations. Is it going to be ok to finish paint the seal areas or should I sand it all off the seal areas?

I also painted over the area where the bolt contact is made for the lower gimbal housing bolts that have the zinc caps. Is it ok to have that area painted as well? Pic also below.

 

[AShipShow]

It'll be fine... The seal areas are painted from factory so no issues having paint there...

One thing I would be careful of is that the transom plate and gimbal housing still fit together before you put everything on the boat and find out its too tight because of paint buildup.

The "snout" where the driveshaft goes through needs to align with an opening on the transom plate... Thats what gives the proper alignment of the two parts... Just make sure they go together after all the paint is on.

 

[76SeaRay]

Here is the end result on the first two parts. I didn't attempt to fill in all the pitting and there is a bit of orange peel. Good enough for me.

 

[achris]

Make sure you use a new 'grounding kit' and that where you attach the wires is clean so you get a good electrical connection. I always check drives by putting one prove of my multimeter (set to resistance) on one of the anodes and then start probing all the components of the drive to ensure 0 ohms resistance... Upper housing, transom plate, bell housing, both trim rams, and all the other anodes... Especially the anodes. Don't forget the propeller blades too. Everything must be connected or you'll get galvanic corrosion issues. And you'll also need to ensure continuity to the engine and steering arm too.

Chris.......

 

[achris]

Part number for a complete, Mercruiser continuity kit is -99940A2... (It's all of $39)

 

[76SeaRay]

Yup, already have a new continuity kit... Thanks..