Probable busted outdrive - questions going forward

[rcon]

Well I had me a whinge over in 'A HITW day' (http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/57868-A-HITW-day) and now I need to diagnose me a strange 'clunk' that a couple of posters seemed to think was very likely an outdrive failure and plot a course forward...

Facts.

• New engine installed on this particular drive train very recently (<15 hours)
• This drive was supposedly replaced under insurance by PO <12 months ago (might be a "Free" repair :smt021. big might.)
• After first 'clunk', everything ran fine, then another 'clunk' and this engine stalled (thought we'd hit something first time)

Questions.
Diagnosis and next steps...

1. Any concrete test to diagnose a failed drive? ie. try and engage forward/back gear and do "something"?
2. What is the likely hood of a failed drive v some other drive train fault? ie. fly wheel or some coupling?
3. Can I damage the engine if I attempt to use the failed drive? Would not get up on plane as this is when we got the 'clunk' (nearest list 40nm drive!)

SEI Replacement...

1. Assuming drive failure, considering SEI drives, possibly both just for peace of mind. Any thoughts on SEI v rebuilt Merc drives?
2. Anyone hazard a guess on SEI drive failure rates? Purchasing from US drives = $1300-1500ish, SEI drives from Australian stockist >$35-3800 but this gets expensive if actually needing warranty.
3. That 3 year, fault free warranty sounds awfully good, too good?

Any and all thoughts welcome.

 

[KC_Sundancer]

We have had a good experience with a pair of SEI drives for over 500 hours now on our "85" 270DA.
Here is a copy of my original post regarding the original change-over:

Two new SEI (Stern Drives Inc.) outdrives were installed. They are identical Mercruiser replacements with a (3) year no-condition warranty for half the cost - (about $2600 for the pair, shipped). Being a die-hard Mercruiser guy it was hard to make the choice but I now have over 150 hours on them and have been extremely pleased.
Gimbal Bearing Replacement / Engine Alignment Trick:
Both Gimbal bearings were also replaced. Engine alignment was checked and set perfectly.
When installing the drives one of them went in perfectly.
The second was a struggle when it came to the last 3/4 inch of sliding in. Re-checked alignment - perfect, checked linkages, spline alignment, everything - still would not go in.
(4) hours and a phone call later I found out the "shop" trick. After installing the new gimbal bearings, install the alignment tool and hit it both up-down and side-side with a rubber mallet or something similiar. This "frees" the bearing , Re-check and set alignment.
Amazing the drive now slid right in.

 

[rcon]

Cheers, KC_S

Just spoke with mechanic and apparently the alpha ones will be turning all the way to the power unit even when busted.

Looks like its going to be another long trip on a single screw :/

 

[Molson]

If its your port drive, it should be counter rotating.

 

[rcon]

Well, limped up to workshop on Friday and 2 min sea trial seemed to tell the mechanic it's not drive - he's back to something slipping. My first thought the other week was coupling/flywheel etc.

He backed out of slip, then into forward gear quickly and horrid noise, clunking, bit of grinding - sounded like a clutch gone wrong. Of course alphas don't have clutch.

Will update next week with some more detail as they come to hand.

 

[rcon]

And we're back to the drive, bottom box.

What is the success of new lower unit installs like? Ie, do they tend to fail pretty quick by putting a new stress on the top box?

We're pursuing a slim chance we can get this repaired under warranty from an insurance claim by the PO. If that fails however, the question becomes....

(A) install new lower unit (parts=$2800)
(B) install complete new merc leg (parts=$ 4000)
(C) install two complete new SEI drives(parts+shipping=4300)


Any of those options present as clearly superior /inferior?

 

[Molson]

I'd go with SEI drive(s)

 

[rcon]

And it's a warranty job. Sensational.

Apparently the previously installed lower unit had an incorrectly shimmed bearing, resulting in a very tight load - lots of metal ground off in the lube.

Insurance warranty was tight tho, lower unit bought more than 12 months ago, but commissioned less than 12 months ago.

Other drive has known worn u-joint (clicking at low speed, full lock) and had some seal issues when we purchased so having that drive inspected whilst on the stand for possible replacement.

Whilst its 3 months short, having annual work and serving done on the idea we won't be out again for another 9-12 months.

 

[magstang1]

Great news!

Don't worry. Those boat dollars you narrowly avoided spending will soon be needed elsewhere.

Doesn't it always happen like that?

 

[rcon]

New clears come to mind.....