Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

[austin123]

I pulled my drive Friday night to replace my exhaust bellows and there was some of my outdrive oil in the drive bellows. Not a lot, maybe 1/4 cup. Since I last had the drive off to replace my lower shift cable I have ran it for maybe 4 hours. I pulled the top cap off the outdrive and the oil level was just below the vent hole so I topped it up for now. Apparently I have a bad seal or o-ring behind the retainer nut which holds the drive gear assembly and u-joint/drive shaft into the outdrive. My question is, do I need any special tools other than the wrench for the nut?? It looks like the whole drive gear seembly will then just slide out? I have a full maintenance shop at work for pressing/pulling new seals/bearings or whatever is needed. Has anybody got a link showing a breakdown of parts etc so I know what to buy. The outdrive is an Alpha 1, drive serial number is OB890142.<br />Thanks for any help/advice

 

[Don S]

Re: Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

I hope you don't make it a habit of pulling that top cover and adding oil, that is not how it's done. Plus you need to put a new oring on the cover. You are supposed to pump oil in the bottom drain plug till it comes out the vent hole. That is full, and it needs the air gap above for expansion.<br />Yes, there are special tools for fixing your front seal, and probably yoke if it is grooved.<br />The service manual has all the details. Here is a link to the Alpha I service manual.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[austin123]

Re: Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

Thanks for the information. I do realise that is not the correct procedure for adding oil but I wanted a quick check to see how much oil I had lost. I also pulled it to see if I could see how everything went together. I am going to my dealer Monday to buy whatever parts are neccesary.<br />Looking at the manual I see the o-ring and the seal and carrier (items 29 & 30). Do I need to replace the carrier as well as the oil seal or just the oil seal?

 

[austin123]

Re: Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

Looks to me like it is just the oil seal and o-ring that I am going to need to order/replace.<br />Yes/No??

 

[Trent]

Re: Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

Outdrive gasket set also.

 

[Don S]

Re: Oil in drive bellows. 1988 3.0L 4Cyl.

And probably the yoke that the seal rides on, if there is a groove worn in it.