Water in my Belows

[Scuba John]

When winterizing my 1994 Four Winns Horizon last fall I decided to remove my outdrive completely as when I purchased it used last season the seller told me it could probably nead new bearings. When removing it I notice some water in the u-joint bellows so now that spring is just around the corner I want to start my repairs. It is an OMC Cobra 5.0 engine and drive, this is my first I/O and just looking for suggestions on what I should be replacing and checking while it is apart. I prefer to do things correctly the first time around. Thanks for any help.

 

[tommays]

Re: Water in my Belows

you will need to get a manual OEM would be best

If there was a LOT of water you cand expect to have a bad gimble bearing ,bad u-joints and rust on the input yoke


the input yoke is were it gets to be hard as it requires drive to be taken apart

If it got rusty it will cut the seal and the oil loss will destroy the drive with no warning

Tommays

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water in my Belows

You will first need a transom service kit.If you had water in there i would go ahead and replace gimble bearing,u-joints,all bellows.
Also when you drained the outdrive was there any sign of water in the gear lube?
Cheapest place to get the parts is ebasicpower on the net.or ebay.
I strongly suggest you get a OMC service manual as you will need to check engine alignment and adjust lower shift cable when re-installing the drive.

Welcome aboard!!

 

[Scuba John]

Re: Water in my Belows

Today I took a closer look at my outdrive, the u-joints still look new. The bellows are still on the boat in storage so I haven't had a chance to take a closer look at that. Just to add more background, this boat has never been kept in the water and it has only been in fresh water. There isn't so much as a spec of rust on the steel parts around the u-joints, they are extremely clean looking and feel good and tight. I may have caught this soon enough. I was reading one forum that mentioned that there were mistakes in the OMC manual from Seloc. Any suggestions on what manual would be best and where can I buy it. Thanks

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Water in my Belows

Any suggestions on what manual would be best and where can I buy it. Thanks

There is a guy on Ebay you should check out. A number of us have bought Oem Manuels from him.

http://stores.ebay.com/SEARAYMAN13_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm​

 

[Scuba John]

Re: Water in my Belows

Thanks Guys, I've never used a Forum before. It's amazing how quick information is shared. I did find the manuals from that guy on Ebay.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water in my Belows

Lyndy is correct,
Check out the guys ebay store.If the 1994 manual is not listed just send him an email.He has a lot more manuals in stock.

He does have the whole set..GREAT DEAL!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994...dZViewItemQQcategoryZ26453QQitemZ190009057189

 

[rojoc]

Re: Water in my Belows

Hello scuba. It might be possible that while removing the drive some trapped water in the drive itself had not drained completely and seeped back onto the bellows. This is just a guess of course. Good luck.

 

[lake112]

Re: Water in my Belows

Hello scuba. It might be possible that while removing the drive some trapped water in the drive itself had not drained completely and seeped back onto the bellows. This is just a guess of course. Good luck.

 

[lake112]

Re: Water in my Belows

I am curious to know how much water is normal to have in the bellows as I have the same issue. When removing the drive to lube the gimbal bearing and u-joints I have noticed some water in the bellows - not much but some (cup-glass full).

When I apply grease to the bearings I noticed a couple drops of water come out before the grease does.

Should the bellows be replaced?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Water in my Belows

I'm not an OMC, but....
The amount of water in the bellows should be zero.....
Most likely your bellows do need to be replaced.....
I'm sure someone will come along that is familiar with your set up........
PS, if said water is salt, you will probably need to replace the ujoints.....
Ya might want to start your own post.....

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: Water in my Belows

a small crack in bellow may not be visible yet allow water to leak in. Biggest mistake most people make when storing a boat on a trailer is they leave lower unit in the up position which stresses the bellows. Always leave lower unit in down position when in storage this keeps the bellows in a more natural positon.