stern drives...

[Fr. Frank]

71 Seafari, Mercruiser 140. Current motor block indicates it was manufactured in 1986/7, but has all 1971 electrical and ignition stuff. Original transom group and original M/R outdrive. Installed all new seals last fall, all new bellows, new lower cable, new hoses, new manifold and new exhaust riser/elbow.
We live in Florida, so "winterizing" is unnecessary. HOWEVER, after many years in the marine industry, I have an annual "maintenance list" for a sterndrive.

JANUARY 1
Remove drive
Change water pump impeller, inspect pump housing and wear plate.
Remove propeller
Inspect seals, bellows, u-joint, drive shaft
Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate
New outdrive gaskets and o-rings (never re-use)
Change Lower unit oil.
Clean and re-grease prop shaft

I would say that with proper flushing, raw water cooled manifold, risers/elbows, and t-stat housings are good for 6-7 years. But ya' gotta flush the motor for a period of time AFTER it gets to full operating temperature. Salt-away isn't enough, nor is 5 minutes running at idle with a cool motor. But eventually, these pieces WILL need to be replaced