Impeller Replacement discussion from iceout thread

Dave R · 03-18-2012, 08:42 PM

Nice job documenting the work. Ever pull your drive to check the alignment? It's shockingly easy (put shifter in forward, remove the speedometer tube, remove the rear trim ram shaft, remove the 6 nuts that connect the drive to the bell housing and slide the drive off). I have an alignment bar if you ever feel like checking it.

MAXUM · 03-18-2012, 11:55 PM

No never thought about it, is that something that needs to be checked every now and then? If the gears in the lower unit aren't disassembled then I would think everything should stay true. Boat has close to 300 hours on it now.

Dave R · 03-19-2012, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

No never thought about it, is that something that needs to be checked every now and then? If the gears in the lower unit aren't disassembled then I would think everything should stay true. Boat has close to 300 hours on it now.

It's supposed to be checked annually. Most DIYers don't do it because it looks like it would be complicated and/or it's hardly ever out of tolerance. Alignment is important for coupler longevity. When it goes out of alignment, it's almost always due to an issue with the engine mounts or the stringers. Having the drive off is a great way to check the bellows and the condition of the gimbal bearing and U-joints. It's also much easier to lube the drive shaft splines when they are out in the open, compared to laying on the engine reaching for the one of the zerks on the coupler.

There's some slick engineering on the Merc drives like the drive oil valves that close automatically when the drive is pulled. One valve prevents oil from leaking out of the engine compartment reservoir and the other prevents oil from leaking out of the drive itself. When the drive is re-installed, the two valves press against each other and open allowing oil to flow to and from the reservoir again.

MAXUM · 03-19-2012, 03:22 PM

Well I can say that getting to those zirks on the coupler is a total PITA. Good to know that alignment should be checked, maybe I'll put that on my list of things to do. I want to replace the gaskets in the top end of the outdrive at some point, just due to age more than anything else, it certainly doesn't have any water intrusion problems. probably should have done it when I split the case but didn't have the parts on hand do it. Eh put it on my list of things to do this fall for winterization. Ice is disappearing to quickly to think about doing anything other than spring cleaning, fresh wax and loading it up for the season. Looks like another year of being able to fish the entire lake come April 1st. Matter of fact at this rate the water temps should be warm enough for the fish to be a little more active than usual. All good stuff IMHO. Just not looking forward to paying to fill the gas tank!

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03-18-2012, 08:42 PM	#1
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Nice job documenting the work. Ever pull your drive to check the alignment? It's shockingly easy (put shifter in forward, remove the speedometer tube, remove the rear trim ram shaft, remove the 6 nuts that connect the drive to the bell housing and slide the drive off). I have an alignment bar if you ever feel like checking it.

03-18-2012, 11:55 PM	#2
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 244 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	No never thought about it, is that something that needs to be checked every now and then? If the gears in the lower unit aren't disassembled then I would think everything should stay true. Boat has close to 300 hours on it now.

03-19-2012, 03:22 PM	#4
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 244 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Well I can say that getting to those zirks on the coupler is a total PITA. Good to know that alignment should be checked, maybe I'll put that on my list of things to do. I want to replace the gaskets in the top end of the outdrive at some point, just due to age more than anything else, it certainly doesn't have any water intrusion problems. probably should have done it when I split the case but didn't have the parts on hand do it. Eh put it on my list of things to do this fall for winterization. Ice is disappearing to quickly to think about doing anything other than spring cleaning, fresh wax and loading it up for the season. Looks like another year of being able to fish the entire lake come April 1st. Matter of fact at this rate the water temps should be warm enough for the fish to be a little more active than usual. All good stuff IMHO. Just not looking forward to paying to fill the gas tank!