[ShabahZ280]

Got a call from the Sea Ray dealer today (my service place), I had requested the "Full Service Winterization" package from them, where they remove the outdrive & check everything out.

Message on my voicemail at 3:00pm says "Hi Chris, it's *** from Sea Ray of Cincinnati, we found a problem, need you to call us" Called right back, and here's the deal.

-My Exhaust Flappers are completely GONE! I don't have thru-hulls, but apparently there's two of them in the exhaust y-pipe. Hmm, didn't expect that, but the boat was used mildly in saltwater before I bought it, anything's possible.
-Gimbal Bearing is shot, and it needs replaced with the cross bearings too. I expected that one, with the vibration when turning.

Exhaust Flappers- $352.50
Gimbal Bearing & Cross Bearings - ~$400
Full Service Winterization -$510

Pre-invoice total $1262.50
She said it could have been worse, a complete bellows job is around $1500.

I'll update when I get the final total, but it sure is getting me more and more interested in learning how to fix marine engines myself!

[aquaknot]

On a positive note, at least your problems started at the end of the season. My boat is at the local marina right now for it's winter maint., hull wash, drive service, oil change etc. I'll want everything ready to go for next spring. Where's the SNOW, my sleds itchin for a ride.

[97 Z222]

Hey Chris, I have the same outdrive and engine as you. I just had my full winterization package done as well. I had the full bellows and gimble bearing replaced, as you did, change the leg oil, flush the hydrolic lines for the leg because I had a leak in the hydrolics and water contaminated the system,a new water pump, because the previous owner replaced an impeller that had desintigrated and gotten sucked up into the water pump. They had put in a new impeller, but there were still 4 peices if the old broken impeller inside the housing. A new timming belt, spark plugs( These where the original plugs 200 hrs). cap and rotor for $1900.00 bucks. This is my first boat and first repair. I think I did o.k.

[Z 202]

Timing Belt? I think you mean alternator/power steering belt.

Your engine has a timing chain, and it's highly unlikely it needs replacing at 200 hours.

[97 Z222]

you are correct, it was an alternator belt. The mechanic said it was squeeling and that applying wax was the only way to make it quiet. He showed me the belt, it was worn on one side and was cracking, as it was 10 years old.

[Paul F]

I had the same thing happen to my exhaust flaps. They sat in the "Y" of the exhaust pipe until the vibration eventually wore a pin hole in the pipe below the water line and I started taking on water.

The shop pulled the engine, spot welded the pipe, replaced the flaps. I believe it was a little over $500.

I was told that it was not uncommon for this to happen to Mercruisers.

[mikeyt]

Applying a bar of soap on the alternator belt will quieten it down quickly but if it's that far gone it's time to spend a little money & get a new one.

[S.L.P.]

The outdrive on the Z260 had issues in the 2006 season.
The shifter and cables bound up and brought to light other problems.
Replaced: Gimbel bearing, sender unit,bellows,u-joint assmbly , entire yoke assmbly and stub, coupler assmbly, cables and shifter, various assorted and sundry hoses, clamps, nuts, screws etc..... $3800.00 later, we were back on the water. This was not too bad considering the engine had to be tilted from the mtr mnts to gain access to the coupler for replacement. Labor bill was larger than parts bill. There is NO room to work in the engine compartment. My marine mechanic is very good and I was pleased with all repairs. I put on many hours since, with no problems. I believe the previous owner hadn't pulled the OD for routine service. The ujoints and bearings did not have adequate grease so the bearings wore and the ss shaft wore the aluminum coupler and so on...

I will pick the boat up today, had them pull the OD, service, winterize engine and ck alignment to be sure all is in order.
So, things can get pricey in a hurry.

$teve