Remove outdrive annually?

[Loneranger]

To be a bit of a devil's advocate:

How many people when removing the outdrive have actually found something that the ultimate outcome was improved by finding early? i.e. worn gears, etc should show up with some symptoms like metal shavings in oil, new noise, etc. The bellows and seals should be visible for wear.

Just curious.

John

 

[gerryb]

Speaking from a 2004 5.0L with a Bravo III in Connecticut I pull the drive each year. I like to know what's happening inside the bellows, check the lube condition, pull the props and lube the shafts, and install new seals. As for lube leaking, there is "special Mercury" plunger thingy between the bell housing and drive that keeps the lube in. However when you drain it, 90% of the lube will be out anyway. I like preventative maintenance so pulling the drive allows me to check everything.

I would be careful wrapping the outdrive if you leave it outside on the boat. While it protects on one hand, it could allow for condensation and deterioration on the other. Wrap it in such a way as to leave the bottom open to the air.

IMHO - take it home. Pet it during the winter and dream of being on the water come spring.

tginz

How can some condensation hurt something that is COMPLETELY in water most of the year?