MY number came up

[mellowyellow]

been a few years since I've done anything but PM<br />to last 2 old boats, but my number finally came<br />up. noticed on routine inspection a cracked bellows.<br />thank god there was a ton of grease packed in there,<br />so very little water got into bilge...<br />obviosly the outdrive has to be pulled and new<br />bellows installed, but what else should I replace<br />while I'm at it? like shift cable etc.<br />also, there was a little water intrusion into L/U.<br />ya think it came in through bellows?<br />FYI: 1976 merc 140/ alpha 1<br />as always, thanks in advance!<br />M.Y.

 

[Don S]

Re: MY number came up

The gimbal bearing and ujoints will probably need replaced, especially if you were in salt water.<br />I would also dissassemble the upper input shaft and put a new seal in. If the yoke gets rusty it destroys the seal and you loose the gear lube. Then you loose a drive............

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: MY number came up

thanks Don. that upper seal seems like it's more<br />to keep oil in than water out? is some intrusion<br />normal?

 

[Don S]

Re: MY number came up

Yes, the seal was never designed to keep water out, that was left up to the bellows. <br />The big problem is rust on the yoke destroying the seal.....it just like sandpaper.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: MY number came up

thanks again would think they'd use a metal less<br />prone to rust on gasket yoke???

 

[marinemech]

Re: MY number came up

your dealing with merc.marine here same initials as MICKEY MOUSE i don't think thats a coincidence<br />lol any how best to replace: bellows, water tube ,gimbal bearing, u joints (if needed)shift cable&bellows this way all parts are new and should last

 

[rodbolt]

Re: MY number came up

hello<br /> all of the above and while your there replace the upper shift shaft seal in the gimbal housing.<br /> the rust on the yoke has killed many a good unit like Don said.<br /> good luck and keep posting. replace that bellows every 3 years and its a lot cheaper than replacing all the water damaged parts .

 

[Don S]

Re: MY number came up

would think they'd use a metal less prone to rust on gasket yoke??? <br />

There really is no need make it out of a metal that doesn't rust, there isn't supposed to be any water in the bellows to begin with.