Outdrive & tach problems
 

Finally got the boat ('85 V-20 cuddy) in the water and it started right up, but:

1) The outdrive wouldn't go down. The pump howled, but no movement - even with a guy standing on the drive for encouragement.

2) The tach pegs as soon as the motor is started and stays there at any RPM.

My mechanic buddy took the manuals home to study, but we would welcome any comments you guys might have.

Thanks - Scott

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

your tack has the power reversed it sounds like. Check the positive and Negitive,

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

When they are peged they are shorted some where??

Not saying you are stupid or anything!! But I had a friend call me and make me go to his house, his out drive would not move eaither?? Said he checked the fluid and all??

I found the problem in 3 seconds, He forgot to lift the tilt locks!! LMFAO

Take the fill screw off and see if you can get it to come down then?? That should release the perssure.

Just by your post I am thinking that you have I/O?? The pump may work, but try looking at the wires, or the selnoid, they are great for corrsion!!
Make sure the fluid is full. No broken hoses, ect ect....

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

Yeah, the boat was "professionally" rewired when I got it, and it took me a couple of hours to trace out and get power to a replacement anchor light - I'll definitely check the tach wiring.

About the outdrive - it's a Mercruiser 3.7L(?) - it's a 170 engine. MJ, you may need to hold on to your A with both hands, but I can't find anything that looks like tilt locks on it anywhere - what am I missing? Are they manual/electric/? I'll check the fluid/wiring to the pump/etc. as soon as I can get back to it. Good news is that I got it into the shop (thought it might be too tall) so I won't freeze MAO working on it.

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

Got a little time to work on the outdrive. Most of the wires are corroded off, where they come out of the rubber boot going to the sensors, and the sensors have a fair amount of rust in em.

Anybody know if I can just pull new wires in using the old ones, or does the drive need to come off? It looks like the wires come out under water, so I'm a little concerned about getting a good seal. Any advice?

Thanks - Scott

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

it sounds like you should replace the senders,,,,,,you cant just replace the wires,,,,,,when its time to do that you need change the bellows an excaust bellows at the same time ,this way you do it once ,an forgetaboutit,for a few years

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

I just helped my buddy change both bellows on his Mercruiser outdrive, pretty tough job IMHO.

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

Thanks guys, I think we're going to dive into it. I got the same advice from a repair guy at the boat show - it's time for a service: bellows, sensors, grease the u-jount, etc.

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

Scott,

This site might help you out. We fabricated this special tool for installing the exhaust bellows only after a few hours of struggling without one. Sure made the job alot easier!


http://mercstuff.com/bellowsexpander.htm

Re: Outdrive & tach problems
 

Shicks,

Is that what you used to stretch the mouth on that poor kid in your picture?

I can see something like that being pretty handy. How long does it take to get, if I need one, and what's your shipping charge?

Thanks - Scott