New here, Need help

[wingnut1]

Hey guys sorry to drop in with only questions and nothing to add but here we go. What I thought was going to be an easy job for an auto mechanic does not apply to boats. I have taken on a job on a 79 Mercruiser, the job is to replace the Bellows assembly. So I guess my question is where do I start? has anyone completed a step by step on how to do this or is their a copy of a repair manual online. It's a 79 Mercruiser Caravelle, 165

Thanks
Gene

[charmc]

Hi Gene,

Welcome aboard. There are many forums on older Mercruiser engines and drives, some mentioning sources for manuals. Here are some:

http://www.boatersline.com/viewforum.php?f=26

http://www.sterndrive.com/board/show_forum.cfm?ID=42

http://www.boatfix.com/how/outdrives.html

http://www.marine-engines.net/topics/000187.html?motors

For what it's worth, here's a tip on posting that might get you more responses. Try reposting with a subject line describing your problem, like "Repairing older Mercruiser" or "Replacing bellows assembly". "New guy needs help" could be anything from someone wanting tips on buying his first sailboat to someone wanting to build a backyard 60' yacht.

Hope this helps.

[wingnut1]

Ok Thanks

[PAR]

By a manual for your drive, in your case Seloc's "Mercruiser Stern Drive", ISBN 0-89330-005-5, which covers 1964 through 1992.

You'll have to pull the drive leg (upper and lower gear cases as a single unit). The bell housing can stay in place, but it's not a job for someone uncomfortable with changing out a timing chain/belt on a car (for example). If you're reasonably handy and have a full set of tools, can work clean with good mechanical practices and procedures, you can get it done.

Use an engine hoist to assist the drive removal. Those older drives usually have a lifting eye on the upper gear case cover. It's not so heavy you can't wrestle it off by hand, but the skeg hurts like hell when you drop it on your foot. The manual will nurse you through it.