Pressure Tester

H2ONUT

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2006
2,658
Savanna GA
Boat Info
2000 215EC
Engines
5.0 EFI Mercruiser Alpha
Anyone make a homemade one for the outdrive?

If so, willing to share a parts list?
 
I found an old pressure gauge 0-25 PSI, an old inner tube valve, a plastic "T" and the lower part of the pump I use to fill the lower gear case. My bicycle pump is attached to the inner tube valve and I pump it to 5-8 lbs. The inner tube valve keeps it pressurized.

Good Luck.

Glenn
 
I made one this year. I have they luxury of having the machine shop at work turn down a piece of steel and thread the end which goes into the outdrive. This thread is 3/8-16. I had the other end tapped for a 1/8 npt and a side hole for 1/4 npt. I installed a 0-60 psi gage (0-30 is better).
Now the trick. At lowes in the hot water heater/furnace area I found a check valve (like a tire valve) which has a 1/8 npt thread on the end.

I used my air compressor with a tire gage to fill to 20 psi.

I can take pic's tomorrow if you like.

Mark
 
I would make the tool longer if I did it again. This would eliminate the elbow. I have the sketches at work if you have the ability to have one made.

BTW I did not want to over pressurize my outdrive while filling with air so I installed a regulator to the fill hose.

Also - if you make a gage you should make a plug to test the gage from leaks, otherwise you will be fooled as to what is leaking, the outdrive or your gage. I made a plug, filled the gage with air and put it into a bowl of water and looked for bubbles. It took me three tries to get it leak-proof!
 

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Thanks! That will help out. I have a friend that has a small machine shop. I'll forward those pics to him today.
 
One more important note - If you notice after the threads (3/8-16) there is a turned down section. This is important because the outdrive is counter-bored where the fill plug goes. Pull the washer out and make the o.d. of the steel just under this diameter. I forgot the dimension.

If I have some time at lunch this week I will make a drawing.

I hope this helps
 

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