Pays to be a MerCruiser parts hoarder

[ddrieck]

Took my son fishing today and as we were running full tilt across the lake the boat, 1985 Thompson 470 4 banger, just bogged and died. Hit the key and all I got was the dreaded clunk of the starter engaging but not turning over. I thought for sure I had just lost the engine as it seemed to be seized. Deployed the trolling motor and headed back to the ramp, hand loaded the boat and went home figuring I was going to have to pull the engine. I get home and pulled the outdrive first and then installed my engine pulling chain. Just then my son stopped by after he got off work and asked what I was up to. I looked him in the eye and turned the key for him to hear the clunk but the dang boat started. Turns out the engine did not seize but the upper gear housing on the outdrive had seized from gear breakage. I guess this old 37 year old outdrive decided that today was the day to give up. Lucky for me I have always hoarded all my MerCruiser parts and had a complete outdrive ratted away in my shed. Installed the outdrive after installing a new impeller, changed gearlube and will be back on the water tomorrow morning!
Anyhoo, don't always assume the worst case scenario as it just leads to being upset and depressed.