[JohnS]

Welcome and enjoy the voyage this weekend. Good idea to drain the lower unit and check for water intrusion. Unless the outdrive is shot, the only thing you might have to rebuild is the lower unit, which, if your mechanic is pretty good, is basic and simple for the most part. If you do need to rebuild because of a leak, that is simply the seals and possibly a few roller bearing. Unless corrosion set in on the other parts or it was really abused, than it should be easy. Some snap ring pliers will be a must but not much else in the way of special tools. A kit with all the seals is available. Last time I did one, it took me a couple of hours to do. I also sanded, primed, and repainted while it was off because it was much easier than doing it while on the boat. Just a thought if it needs it. Check the prop shaft for staightness too, as long as you are at it. This will tell you pretty quick if someone, at some time, smacked something REALLY hard with the prop. That is one of the major causes of seal leakage.....

[ June 19, 2003, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: JohnS ]