Drive wear

[persuaderkurt]

Just changed the oil in my outdrive today. I have a 1996 Alpha One with a 5.7LX with 210 hours. I removed the bottom screw to allow the oil out and checked it for any metal shavings. I was disturbed to see more than I would expect. The magnetic pin was covered with small sand like metal shavings and some quite larger ones. My question....is this normal or is this a sign that my outdrive is on the out?

I must say that I have always been easy on the drive and will be quite surprised and disappointed if failure is right around the corner.

What are the signs of a failing drive? Noise? Oil usage? http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

[persuaderkurt]

Just changed the oil in my outdrive today. I have a 1996 Alpha One with a 5.7LX with 210 hours. I removed the bottom screw to allow the oil out and checked it for any metal shavings. I was disturbed to see more than I would expect. The magnetic pin was covered with small sand like metal shavings and some quite larger ones. My question....is this normal or is this a sign that my outdrive is on the out?

I must say that I have always been easy on the drive and will be quite surprised and disappointed if failure is right around the corner.

What are the signs of a failing drive? Noise? Oil usage? http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

[vinny p.]

Its hard to say without seeing the oil and plug. But, from what you described it sounds like there is trouble brewing in your drive. I would not take a chance on it. Have the drive gone through this winter. It may be something like a bearing failing. Getting it repaired now may save catastrophic failure later. If the gears blow apart, they may take the drive case with it.