U-Joints, how often??

Question

350 Mercruiser, I/O, Alpha Drive. I know that ideally, U-Joints should be lubed every season. I have done it 1 time in the 3 years I've had my boat. How often do you think its necessary to do this? It was a real pain when I did it, and don't really want to do it again! I'm in New England, so salt water, then stored dry in cold winter. Also, is it necessary to use a new gasket, or any kind of gasket, if you remove the sterndrive to lube the U-Joints?

Thanks

Answer 1

I would do it now and than do it once a year at least depending on how much you use the boat.  This is an important joint that needs to be lubed to operate correctly.  The cost if you ignore this is outrageous.  There is a gasket seal kit for Mercruiser drives at any local boat shop.  Like $19.95 or so.  Also consider checking the shaft alignment while it is all apart.  Go by the service manual to get it right.

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