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Need some experience and advice. Just bought a 2003 170 (I love it and it looks terrific in my garage as well as with #1 son behind the helm!). The boat was not abused but somewhat neglected, with top sides showing some chaulking etc, and the Saltwater series motor having a rusty spot on the bottom yoke. Powerhead is fine, no corrosion and the compression tests showed 110, 108,109. Very standard aluminum prop and the boat runs pretty strong with absolutely no hesitation to start, idle, or WOT.
The other day I noticed the retaining ring on the bottom yoke was sitting on the cavitation plate, held there only by virtue of being installed around the shift shaft. Both the bottom and top of the yoke are corroded, and it looks like the splines on the swivel pin ( which the retaining ring secures) is also corroded. I know this is going to be an expensive fix, but I want the job done right and I want reliability above all else. The local dealer ( recommended by a third party on THT and also a Merc parts express dealer) sayes it will be two weeks to get in their cue, but that I can likely boat all summer without a problem. Is this something to overlook until then? Also, would you consider buying a used swivel pin ( part is over $250 on Merc website). Anything else I should have the mechanic look at while he is in there?
Many, many thanks to all that make this site so informative.
