Covering Stern Drive with outdrive removed?

[enginesilo]

I pulled my Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive off for the first time. Plan to leave it off all winter while I work on the outdrive indoors. What do you recommend I do with the stern drive opening now that the outdrive has been removed? Should I cover it with plastic, or cut a piece of wood or plexiglass and screw it on to cover up the hole? I don't want to risk rusting my gimbal bearing or anything like that inside of there.

Also, do I need to oil the engine spline shaft or anything like that so it doesn't rust? Not sure if would rust, but its typically not exposed when installed so I figured I'd ask if I should rub it down with a little oil or something.

 

[GA_Boater]

I've seen some members cut a piece of plywood to cover the opening and keep the critters at bay until the outdrive is reinstalled. If you're talking about the drive shaft splines, there should be a light coating of grease from normal maintenance. Same with the coupler splines and the gimbal probably has some grease on the inner race, shaft side.

 

[thumpar]

I left my first gen outside with the drive off one year. We don't have to worry about critters around here so I just covered it up good with a plastic bag and made sure the cover for the boat extended over it. It worked fine but may not work in all areas.

 

[achris]

The coupler (on the engine flywheel) is aluminium and covered in grease (or should be) from the regular maintenance.

As for the opening of the bell-housing, I would stuff it full of rags, oily ones would be better) and cover it well with plastic sheeting or solid bags. If you'd like to make a cover to bolt/screw on, then don't forget to make a cutout and cover for the shift cable... And tie the trim rams up so they are roughly level... (don't leave them dangling down, it puts stress on the hoses.)

Chris.....

 

[tpenfield]

I'm with Chris on using the rags . . . Just want to block the hole with something nasty so Chip and Dale don't get in the boat over the winter.

 

[Scott Danforth]

chip and dale will chew thru oily rags and fiberglass insulation, not to mention an OMC sterndrive boot. I like the hunk of plywood idea myself.

 

[ziggy]

i store with my drive off and in the basement.
i cover the bell housing with a piece of plexiglass i made for a cover.



the pill bottle covers the shift slide and must be put in rev. for it to fit.

imho, i don't think any rodent will get through this. i use the old gasket as the seal, some cut off hose to make the nuts and washers fit.

 

[GA_Boater]

That's a Pro job, ziggy. :thumb: Vitos over the winter can't be bad, either. :smile: