I have a 1989 checkmate with a 454 and bravo 1 drive that is leaking water through the drive somewhere. It was fine one second then the next it poors in around the driveshaft area at like a 1/2 gallon per minute. Didn't know if anyone has had this problem and how you fix it on a bravo one drive. I know there is the rubber houseing for the drive and the shifter controls, and it is probably one of these. Thanks for any help.

raise your drive and check the main bellows and shift cable bellows. Has to be one of those. you should be able to see it.

If you didn't already know, store your outdrive in the down position, storing it up is a cause for cracking....

sometimes when you have it trimmed all the way down it won't leak as much as when you trim it up a bit... tell tale it's the bellows....

Good luck!!! There's posts here already on how to change it out...

Found the problem. Its the linkage bellow has a hole in it. How easy is this to change? How much would it cost to have done at a marine garage? Thanks for all the help, i love this place

WOuld you recomend i replace the drive bellow and any thing else while it is apart??

Search the forums and you'll find some tips on what to do and what to change... I did a quick search yesterday and there are different thoughts on what to change and what to look out for if your doing it yourself... bellows, shift cable and boot, water intake hose, gimble bearing.. If I take the boat to the shop for something I can't handle, I usually talk the issue through with the mechanic and get their recommendation as well. If you don't have a shop that you trust, get several quotes....

search on bellow replace or bellow repair

I'd have them also check engine alignment and any sloppage in the steering pin as well.... grease universals....

How many hours should a marine tech charge for me to fix this? Thanks for all the help

Just helped replace a shift bellows for the first time for someone yesterday. Took about 2 1/2 hours for a couple guys. Quote from local Merc service dept to replace all three bellows was $1200 for parts/labor. I would suggest replacing all three at the same time. Agree with universal lube and alignment check, too.

Tip Sea,
What Area Are You In????


Joe
American Performance Marine
Edgewater Maryland
Apmboats.com