U joints?

[River's Revenge]

Good evening all,

Ive got a 140 hp ford engine married to a MC1. 1978 Galstron cvx16ss Last time i pulled the kids there became a knock from the upper of the outdrive. From what I've been reading, there's a good chance the ujoints have failed. I haven't pulled the lower unit off yet but I guess my question is.... that there is a hole on the top of the lower unit that has a cap on it. well the cap is gone. as you look inside, it appears that someone has "Moused" a wire holding a nut on or well holding something in place. Well anyways the cap is open and I am wondering if water gets into this area, will this be the cause of my failed ujoints. I don't recall this being exposed before.

Any discussion is welcomed

Thanks.

 

[jopes]

Re: U joints?

If the cap on top of the lower unit is missing, you have bigger issues than u-joints.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: U joints?

Take a look at this diagram:
http://mercstuff.com/fichea.htm

If you are referring to piece 7, no worries. It's just a plastic 'plug' to cover the access hole for the anode capscrew.
If piece 34, well your outdrive will not operate and you will injest water into the complete unit.

 

[Bondo]

Re: U joints?

Ive got a 140 hp ford engine married to a MC1.

Ayuh,.... Merc never used a 140hp Ford motor....

So what have ya Really got,..??

 

[River's Revenge]

Re: U joints?

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll pull the lower unit this weekend and have a look.

 

[River's Revenge]

Re: U joints?

Eddie,

I looked again at the lower unit and if you are looking at the rear looking forward, there is a Mercruiser Sticker on the right side up by where the six bolts to remove the lower unit are. well anyways under that sticjer is a plastic cap about the size of a quarter. Well this cap is gone and exposing ???? is this where they say the zinc anode is??? Thanks again for the input.
RR

 

[Beefer]

Re: U joints?

I'll jump in here and say that pictures would surely help. Sounds like you're talking about item #3 & #4 in the above referenced diagram. Is that correct?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: U joints?

Sounds like you're talking about item #3 & #4 in the above referenced diagram. Is that correct?

I would bet that's exactly what he is referring to. And the wired nut is the end of the shift cable slide he is looking at.

If I'm not mistaken, that is simply a core plug used for casting. You can put another pipe plug and JB Weld that area shut. I believe it needs to be closed to keep water from the shift slide area.

You also need to pull the entire outdrive and check for water in the drive bellows and take a look at your u joints and gimbal bearing.