I recently bought a boat that has some issues in the outdrive. I have found most of the info needed to tackle the repairs, here on this forum. I just dont want to buy too many parts, as I see so many kits and options. I am hoping someone can help me find the proper parts needed. Please forgive my ignorance in the area of naming the components, as this is my very first i/o sterndrive boat.
1987 Sun Runner hull
1987 Volvo Penta AQ225E engine
1987 Volvo Penta AQ275 stern drive
I took the boat out for the first time yesterday to help me diagnose any issues. I know the raw water tube is not sealed and sucks air. There is a bushing there that has play. When I put the ears on and seal them up real good, water starts squirting out of this bushing. I also know that the steering helmet seems to be loose with a worn bushing? If I move the lower unit by hand left to right, there is about 1-2" play and the helmet moves around. When on the lake yesterday, the faster I went, the harder it was to steer to the right, but wanted to steer left almost on its own. There is also a vibration that gets pretty bad and is even worse yet when steering at any speed over 15mph. Could this be a bad u-joint? I am wondering if there is a kit that basically rebuilds the complete drive....but I have only found individual kits and the parts seem to overlap (in other words, I will end up with a bunch of unused parts that are all the same). My biggest fear however, is not having ANY of the special tools I see mentioned all over the manuals. I am an automotive tech by trade, so I am not worried about understanding the needed repairs....but I definitely dont want to tear into this only to find out I REALLY do need that special whatchamacallit puller for $500 or whatever. Can this job be tackled without crazy pullers and installers? Hopefully I didnt list too many issues in one thread. Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.
1987 Sun Runner hull
1987 Volvo Penta AQ225E engine
1987 Volvo Penta AQ275 stern drive
I took the boat out for the first time yesterday to help me diagnose any issues. I know the raw water tube is not sealed and sucks air. There is a bushing there that has play. When I put the ears on and seal them up real good, water starts squirting out of this bushing. I also know that the steering helmet seems to be loose with a worn bushing? If I move the lower unit by hand left to right, there is about 1-2" play and the helmet moves around. When on the lake yesterday, the faster I went, the harder it was to steer to the right, but wanted to steer left almost on its own. There is also a vibration that gets pretty bad and is even worse yet when steering at any speed over 15mph. Could this be a bad u-joint? I am wondering if there is a kit that basically rebuilds the complete drive....but I have only found individual kits and the parts seem to overlap (in other words, I will end up with a bunch of unused parts that are all the same). My biggest fear however, is not having ANY of the special tools I see mentioned all over the manuals. I am an automotive tech by trade, so I am not worried about understanding the needed repairs....but I definitely dont want to tear into this only to find out I REALLY do need that special whatchamacallit puller for $500 or whatever. Can this job be tackled without crazy pullers and installers? Hopefully I didnt list too many issues in one thread. Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.