New SeaCraft Owner

barnacle · #1 07-12-2003, 09:34 AM

The first thing I would do is replace the water pump in the outdrive. The pump no matter if its a sterndrive, inboard or outboard should be changed every 3 years. What kind of outdrive do you have? You will need special tools to get a MerCruiser apart and back together right. The main tools you will need is the spanner wrench to remove the retainer nut at the u-joints along with the retainer nut at the prop shaft. Even you you do not have a leak I would change the seal at the u-joint shaft. This seal is famous for leaking. Also be sure to check the shaft that this seal rides on.

brhodes · #2 07-12-2003, 11:19 AM

Joe

Thanks for the advice. We've been discussing that water pump issue. After the first test run, the pump seemed to work fine and no water was found in the oil. The mechanic I have been using suggests changing the water pump every year. He is a very cautious man. The drive is an alpha one gen II. We just finished rewiring the entire boat and reseating the gas tank sending unit. So, teh boat has been out of the water. It's due for another test run. I'm putting the water pump next on teh list.

Bruce

barnacle · #3 07-13-2003, 01:29 AM

If has the Gen II drive then your in good shape. The boat must of been repowered somewhere between 1991 and now. When the water pump is changed you can just replace the impeller on the Gen II due to the rest of the parts are stainless.

brhodes · #4 07-13-2003, 01:39 AM

Previous owner claimed it was re powered in 1993 or 1997, before he got it. He was the second owner. Seems strange he didn't know for sure. But I'm finding that the boat has a lot of mysteries that need to be solved. Actually, many have been solved. But, new one arise. Tomorrow's projects include installing a trim indicator, a power outlet, and the radio. Need a quiet day at the ramp to splash her again. Sundays at teh ramp look like the parking lot of a Home Depot!