I/O (Sterndrive) Conversion to Outboards

[tpenfield]

Well, I know that I have changed . . . I can no longer contort my body to reach under the engines to check the water intake hose clamps. As I was trying to do so over the past few days, I said to myself . . . . "well that just perfect"

I used to not mind maintaining the I/O engines, but it is starting to wear on me. I was also thinking . . . 'it's good that the gimbal bearings and U-joints are perma-lube type, because now I don't have to remove the outdrive each year' . . .

Anyway . . . I plan on working on the bracket (or hull extension) at the end of this season, then see about having a re-power shop take care of the OB's.

 

[Lou C]

I’m very been at that same point for the past few years I might be a bit older than you Ted lol! I have permanently lubed ujoints & front wheel bearings in my 98 Jeep it’s 27 years old with 182,000 miles & I have not had to change one yet!
With the drive, I’d be worried about the bellows possibly leaking and also the fact that when I pull the drive there is always plenty of grease in the ujoints & gimble bearing but on the driveshaft splines, not much. OMC & Volvo never had the grease fitting in the coupler so you could grease it. Although my brothers 2020 Chap with the Merc 4.5 had that but there was no way to reach it!
Freshwater guys might be able to pull it every other year but us salt water guys…well not so much….and yes I see an outboard boat in my future for sure. Less and less I/Os in my harbor this day…

 

[tpenfield]

I’m very been at that same point for the past few years I might be a bit older than you Ted lol!

I'm 69 ish . . .

 

[Lou C]

lol same
As old as…the small block Chevrolet

 

[redneck joe]

I'm new to the 59ish range, but last couple three years my body is shot. I currently need 8 different ortho surgeries, hence why I'm in an 2000 lb set up not a 7800 cruiser on a trailer. And Def no crawling around a bilge wrenching on an engine. An eye level smoker is way easier to drink beer whilst working.