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Joined: Apr 2005
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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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Posts: 666 |
My son in law was given a 89 Sea Ray/Merc Alpha1 3.0. It "has good bones" as they say. The upholstery is shot but useable for now. It came with the whole kit on a decent trailer.
He rode in the boat says it runs good but seems to take on a "little" water. We notice the outdrive lower bolt that goes through the transom is loose. At first I thought it was the little zinc anode but the bolt and washer wiggles slightly.
I have spent a far amount of time in boats of various kinds over the years. I even helped work on them from time to time but I've never had one to figure out and maintain. He is keeping it at my house, has a full time job and 3 kids AND told me I can use it anytime he isn't using it. I suspect most of the time we will use it together with the grandkids, so in my own enlightened self-interest I am working on it.
My research tells me that, unfortunately, you had to PULL THE @#$%ing MOTOR?!?!?!? to get to the head of the bolt. Looking at it, I don't see another way.
Is that the case?
I wonder if any campfire members know anything about boats? <tightening chin strap>
"Socialism produces bad music, bad art, social stagnation and really unhappy people", “I am a conservative, and you may not like that, but I am.” Frank Zappa 1986
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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If you are not actively engaging EVERY enemy you encounter... you are allowing another to fight for you... and that is cowardice... plain and simple.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 19,503
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
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Taking on water in an I/O makes me think the bellows need replacing. That's a $1,500 bill to start ones ownership with.
4 out of 5 Great Lakes prefer Michigan.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Boats... need a boat load of money.
Kent
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Posts: 3,700 |
Goop up the area including the nut and washer with 3M 4200 and call it good.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,050
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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How much is "a little" and over what time period? Bilge dry to start with or unknown?
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Posts: 1,981
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 1,981 |
If you are mechanically turned, it’s just work. Removal of rear seating area and engine surround will give all kinds of access. Lower unit removal is no big deal. You can use a folding 6-8’ ladder laid on ground sideways to create a good stand to stand lower unit in while working on it. Follow the bellows to the forward connection and remove. Prob going to find a lot of rubber fatigued and leaking. I use Marinengine.com to buy my parts. They’ve always done me well. A small 3.0 engine should give lots of access as stated. Then it’s just wrenching. Service the impellers and change the belt(s) while you’re in there. When changing the oil remember you draw it upward rather than draining the oil pan. Examine freeze plugs and be certain that oil contains no water as in frozen engine block.
Sea Rays have good bones to work with and apart from manual labor and budget will serve well. Good luck! I do love boats.
Last edited by gkt5450; 08/07/22.
America, Our Country and we’re taking it back.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Can we talk boats at the Campfire? Nein, sie sind verbo aten.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Buy a good bilge pump with a float switch and don't worry about a little leakage until it's running all the time.
Ignorance can be fixed. Stupid is forever!
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Raise the outdrive and inspect the bellows, if cracked then time to replace. Loose bolt has to get fixed. Certainly can be a source of water ingress. There is rubber gasket that seals the outer plate to the transom, that is more involved to replace and motor needs to come out. If boat is on a trailer, put the plug in the transom and put your garden hose in the boat. Soon you will identify the leak.
For those without thumbs, it's s Garden fookin Island, not Hawaii
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Posts: 23,270 |
put the plug in the transom and put your garden hose in the boat. Soon you will identify the leak. definitely the easiest way to go about things.
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Campfire Tracker
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The good news is the Alpha 1 is a pretty good unit overall. If it’s a slow leak indeed I’d try 4200 as noted above. Flip side if your doing a rehab on the boat wait until off season and start tearing it down mechanically. Try to figure out the parts that have to be replaced ahead of time first. Make sure you can get them. Another note… check the water as it’s bilged out for temp. If it’s warm, that will give you a different source for the leak.
Osky
A woman's heart is the hardest rock the Almighty has put on this earth and I can find no sign on it.
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Motorboating is a frequent topic.
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind.
"The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan".
I Dindo Nuffin
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Campfire Outfitter
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The most expensive boat is a free boat.
Obey lawful commands. Video interactions. Hold bad cops accountable. Problem solved.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
Member #547 Join date 3/09/2001
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I/Os are why God invented outboards.
- Rogue
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Campfire Ranger
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I/Os are why God invented outboards. ☝️ Truth!
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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I wish I had pictures of ours.
14' Crestliner.
These premises insured by a Sheltie in Training ,--- and Cooey.o "May the Good Lord take a likin' to you"
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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A free boat is worse than a court summons.
I’m just guessing here, but would the loose bolt indicate a rotten transom?
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Two happiest days in a boatman's life.The day he buys it and the day he sells it.
Last edited by saddlesore; 08/07/22.
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
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Campfire Outfitter
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My son in law was given a 89 Sea Ray/Merc Alpha1 3.0. It "has good bones" as they say. The upholstery is shot but useable for now. It came with the whole kit on a decent trailer.
He rode in the boat says it runs good but seems to take on a "little" water. We notice the outdrive lower bolt that goes through the transom is loose. At first I thought it was the little zinc anode but the bolt and washer wiggles slightly.
I have spent a far amount of time in boats of various kinds over the years. I even helped work on them from time to time but I've never had one to figure out and maintain. He is keeping it at my house, has a full time job and 3 kids AND told me I can use it anytime he isn't using it. I suspect most of the time we will use it together with the grandkids, so in my own enlightened self-interest I am working on it.
My research tells me that, unfortunately, you had to PULL THE @#$%ing MOTOR?!?!?!? to get to the head of the bolt. Looking at it, I don't see another way.
Is that the case?
I wonder if any campfire members know anything about boats? <tightening chin strap> You are discovering why nearly the whole industry moved away from stern drives.
Last edited by reivertom; 08/07/22.
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