Repeat Bilge Issue

[HoosierPoppa5.0]

OK Don, Just for a refresher. I have a 1988 5.0 AlfaOne MerCrusier. I keep finding water in the bilge. You told me to inspect bellows. OK, I work with the guy I bought it from, He says that the bellows were all changed 3 years ago, after looking at the 3, (shifter, exhaust, drive) I can not see any rips, rot or anything lose. However, I see a white plastic elbow at the top of the transom assembly attached to a rubber hose going to lower end. Right were the elbow goes through the Transom Assembly it looks old and crusty. My question is can a visual inspection, moving outdrive up,down and left to right, knowing they are three years old, be enough? And if not How much does a complete set of bellows and gaskets for the assembly cost? I mean if I have to take it apart, I would just as well replace all when I have it apart. ....Just to make sure!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Repeat Bilge Issue

Did you pull the drive and look for water in the bellows? Did you put the boat in the water and look to see where the water was coming in from?

 

[HoosierPoppa5.0]

Re: Repeat Bilge Issue

Don Im forced to work on a very tight bugit, (Admrials orders). And Im not sure what new gaskets will cost to remove drive. If they cost alot, I will have to keep her dry for awhile. I will try a stream of water from outside, in differant positions, while viewing inside of bilge. I know I should do it by the book, but Im trying, with whats avalible to me. I took my time looking them over they look fairly new. While I had the boat in the water I could not tell where the water was coming in at. Thats why I will try the water hose trick. One guy at work said to fill the bilge up with water an see what comes out......LOL I dont like that Idea. Your the pro, Im just trying to care for a boat with small bugit, at least untill work picks back up. All that you tell me, I write down and do my best. Is there anyway to tell, without pulling the drive? Or can the gaskets be reused?

 

[Don S]

Re: Repeat Bilge Issue

Running water over it probably won't find the problem. The gasket kit is like 6 or 7 bucks from a Merc dealer. Not finding the problem is what is going to get expensive. If the bellows was not installed correctly, or the big rubber ring was cut or knocked out of place when the drive was installed and you are getting water in the bellows, you will be needing to replace the gimbal bearing, ujoints, the yoke that goes in the drive because it gets rusty and damages the seal. Then you can get water in the drive which will force the gear lube out. Then you have bearings and gears trying to use water for lubrication. I gaurentee you it won't work.<br />But putting off finding the problem because you can't afford it right now is false economy. At least find the problem and stop future problems.<br />The problems I described above happen very quickly in salt water, and costs thousands to fix.<br /><br />Do you feel lucky?????

 

[HoosierPoppa5.0]

Re: Repeat Bilge Issue

Thanks Don, I can afford that. I thought it would be alot more than that. I only drop in fresh water. I wil order the gaskets and get to work asap. Is there anything I should be aware of while wrenching on the drive, before i get started? Or is it a simple task? I am mechanicly inclined, but unacustom to marine issues. All advice is very much appreciated. Thanks for being on Iboats Don. Oh if I have to replace the three bellows, do ya have a ballpark idea for the price? Thanx again........