Can I do the work on my boat??

[pkantor]

Hello,

There are a few repairs coming up in my boats future, and I am wondering if I can do this work myself, or if I should just write a check to a mechanic.
I do most of my automotive work myself, mainly because I like to, but also to know the job has been done right. Thanks to this forum I now have pdf service manuals of both my engine and drive (1995 Merc 3.0L alpha one gen II)

I need to replace my gimble bearing and possibly my U joints and bellows.

Is this something I can tackle?

Thanks!

 

[wi4x4man]

Re: Can I do the work on my boat??

I am the same way as you when it comes to working on stuff. For the most part though, anything that is automotive, I always bring to a friend who also owns his own auto repair business. I know that he will do it right and I usually don't have the time... Now my boat on the other hand that is a different story!

I started out like you, not knowing anything about mercruiser setups. My first was an OMC, and I don't much care for them after that experience. However, the mercruiser setup is actually pretty simple.

Replacing those components is not that big of a deal, and if you can do auto work yourself, I am sure you could do the boat work yourself. The hardest thing in the whole endeavor is going to be re-assembling everything. Trying to get that shaft back into the coupling can be somewhat of a trick as it flops around quite a bit. The biggest thing is that you make sure that everything lines back up. Whatever you do, don't just jam something in thinking it will pop into place. Pay particular attention to the shift mechanism so you don't bend the vertical shift shaft (been there, done that). The manual will note special tools you will need. GET THEM! You don't need to get some fancy Mercruiser brand either, you can readily get them off of Amazon or Ebay if you want. Just make sure that the seller notes the type of mercruiser tool number that it is compatible with.

Get the replacment gasket kit for your drive, don't just re-use and hope for the best. If you are already in there, might not be a bad idea to also replace the shaft bearings. Worn out u-joints can wear out those bearings if there is a bunch of slop. Once you replace the bearings, check your alignment into the coupler with the alignment tool. Sometimes the engine will settle over time, and you might need to re-adjust the front mounts.

Long story short, use the right tools to do the job, and use some common sense. It really is not a bad deal to do.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Can I do the work on my boat??

Are you capable? Probably but only you can make the call for yourself. It's dirty, heavy, grungy work, but can be very satisfying.
Read thru the procedures and required tools, if you have not already done so. Then picure yourself doing the work.
Call a merc. shop and ask for a price quote- then price your parts and tools- is the cost difference worth it to you? You have this forum as a source if you get stumped along the way, and there are great tips for tricky things like attaching the exhaust bellows, alignment, etc..... Check out youtube for some video demonstrations too.
Best case? You save a few Benjamin's. Worst case? You get stuck and take the boat in and have the mechanics bail you out.
The first time I tried to reinstall my outdrive, it wouldn't go in all the way, despite it (IMHO) being properly aligned. I took it to a mechanic and it took them all of 5 minutes to pop it back on.
Consider tearing down your outdrive and replacing the impeller too. You have to pull the drive anyway.

 

[sjohnson44]

Re: Can I do the work on my boat??

When it comes to big ticket repairs and things that take a little more precision, I often choose to have a shop take care of it. Plus, if it messes up then they have to fix it.
Although if you had done the work yourself and something breaks, then you have to fork out more money to fix it. Its all according to what peace of mind is worth to you.

However, I wouldn't consider the repairs you listed to have any comparison to a "big ticket repair". I believe you are very capable, and most of the tools can be rented from autozone or the like. There are plenty of how-to's all over the net, and plenty of people here to help. It would be best to research your repairs as much as possible and watch plenty of videos so you are more familiar with it. That way your not running back and forth for help. It gets tiring and more often than not, you forget where you left off. Been there done that. "Now where did I put those bolts?"

The repairs are not intensive, just a matter of taking your time and doing it correctly. Plus you'll have a great sense of accomplishment. I have not done the repairs personally, but from I have read and researched it does not look complicated at all.

Best of luck to you.