Outdrive Question

[jg440]

Hello All, first post here.<br /><br />I have a 72 Schuster (tahiti) boat, with I believe the original Mercruiser engine 3.0 140hp and outdrive. I am trying to figure out the model and year of the outdrive (Pre Alpha, Alpha1 etc.) I have the below info<br /><br />Mercruiser<br />H.P 120/140<br />SN/3357372<br /><br />Additionally I have noticed the outdrive oil is milky. I know this can be bad but I believe it is due to the vent screw not haveing an o-ring seal on it??????. I saw oil (just a little) comming out of it while I was running it on land (with a hose of course) I would like to change this ASAP. What type of oil is needed for this model outdrive? Additionally I have 1 drain and 1 vent screw, I should fill from the bottom, right?<br /><br />Also should I use a certian o-ring type seal on the screws or will any type that fits work.<br /><br /><br />Thanks

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Outdrive Question

This should answer most of your questions:<br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[jg440]

Re: Outdrive Question

Ralph<br /><br />Thanks for the quick response. That site is a wealth of info. I do indeed have a Pre-Alpha I actually have two as the boat came with a spare engine and out-drive<br /><br />I did not find what type of oil to use, it mentioned Quick Silver but no viscosity<br /><br />would it be 80-90W? Can I use synthetic?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Outdrive Question

For the drive unit use Quicksilver Gear Lube Premium Blend (High Performance) it's blue/green in colour. For the price I hope it's synthetic.<br /><br />Yes, fill from the bottom until it comes out the vent. Best to use a pump that is sold at boat stores.<br /><br />The plug seals are very inexpensive at the dealer but I suppose an o-ring would be better than nothing.<br /><br />I wish I had a spare drive and engine. Hang onto them.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Outdrive Question

The washer may actually be there. They tend to stick in the screw hole cavity. You can get new screw kits here on iBoats or anywhere for like $5<br /><br />WHAT EVER YOU DO, DO NOT PUT A MAGNETIC TIPPED SCREW in the fill hole (lower unit). Pre-Alphas do not have the Clarence for them and the tips will be sheared off (learned that the hard way).<br /><br />The Merc premium gear lube is good as is Sierras premium gear lube. Penzoil also makes a premium synthetic gear lube. They all say for Merc I/Os, etc. You can pick it up at any marina, iBoats, etc.<br />

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[crazy charlie]

Re: Outdrive Question

Ralph,is that what the outcome of your magnetic plugs were??? I didnt get to read the rest of your post a few months ago after they came apart..Charlie

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Outdrive Question

Yes. They had to be completely broken down, inspected and flushed and resealed. I just got them back and finished repainting them. Just in time for $3.50 gas. I am starting to wonder if I am even going to see the water again this season...<br /><br />Sierra has issued an urgent alert to their dealers telling them not to use them on Pre-Alphas and they are changing all of their literature.<br /><br /><br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Outdrive Question

Now that really sucks!!!! Sorry to hear it Ralph.Charlie

 

[lowshovel1]

Re: Outdrive Question

Ralph, Whats the chanse of them compensateing you for your time and money?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Outdrive Question

Sierra paid for the labor and supplied the parts. They really stand behind their products. I of coarse, ate the lost time and my labor. All this for $5 screws!

 

[jg440]

Re: Outdrive Question

Ralph<br /><br /><br />Thanks for the update!!<br /><br />Jay