The First Test Run In The Water Didn't Go So Well....

Well, we got the interior all back together but we have a major leak on the transom. Spent some time replacing all the bellows and seals, hopefully that fixes the issue. On a positive note at least we know the bilge pump works!

[@melvinrawlings1457]

Hell yea brother. I've been watching since the beginning of this rebuild and it's turning out awesome. Can't wait to see it in the water and u cruising around. It will be all worth it in the end. Much love from Maryland ❤❤❤

[@brianbluemkejr]

Glad you're enjoying it so far! Actually used to live in Maryland 2 years ago. Hopefully we will have it on the water soon!

[@leesmith5419]

One thing I've learned nothing is ever quick and easy on a boat

[@brianbluemkejr]

Never… I need to get that thought out of my head lol

[@jimmyz2098]

Awesome! Great vid, and great work, Brian. You're getting there with this baby! You're exactly right. Nothing quick and easy when it comes to boats. LOL But it can be so worth it! And it will be with this one. She's a great boat. Can't wait to see it all come together, in it's final form. All cleaned up and rolling out on the water! Lower unit looks great now.

[@brianbluemkejr]

Thank you!! I really should’ve sanded it all down and painted it while it was off the boat but I was rushing to try and get it back together and on the water before the weather doesn’t allow.

[@kellyandersen3273]

The rear seats in the upper position is for someone to lay out

[@brianbluemkejr]

Oh sweet that makes sense, thank you for sharing that!

[@Freddyman278]

Fantastic video! Such a shame to see that beast leak. Really enjoying catching up on all your content this fine Thanksgiving! Beyond glad I came across your channel! Keep up the great work buddy!

[@brianbluemkejr]

Thanks Freddy, happy holidays!

[@leesmith5419]

I have actually done the same thing and flooded my boat to find some leaks in the hull believe me it works

[@brianbluemkejr]

Glad I’m not the only one!

[@andreireal9158]

Did the gimbal bearing change, along with the water pump and gaskets - damn this thing is heavy and time consuming) Good thing it's not regular maintenence and shoul be done like once in 5 years)

[@brianbluemkejr]

Yup, replaced it all! Everything is brand new down there now.

[@jumpinjoe75]

Great job Brian you made it look so easy but I know its not. Been there done that with the I/O. I sold it and bought an outboard best thing I ever did.

[@brianbluemkejr]

Ya they are for sure challenging. Outboards are just way more convenient to work on. Hope you’re enjoying the videos, go check out my older videos if you haven’t done so already.

[@BigDaddy-fq5mu]

All the white caulk around the drive where it meets the transom tells me it's probably leaking there. that caulk shouldn't be there and was applied by a previous owner. the transom is probably rotted from the leak.

[@brianbluemkejr]

Ya very true, structurally it seems pretty solid but I’m sure the moisture level in there is very high.

[@darronlemell224]

Gimbal bearing and bellows should always be done first

[@brianbluemkejr]

Yep, I learned that now lol

[@gandersson6121]

That crusty bit you pulled of is most likely an anode

[@brianbluemkejr]

Yup if definitely was, seems to be in good shape still so I won’t be replacing it just yet.

[@leesmith5419]

Are you a mechanic by trade you're awfully awfully good

[@brianbluemkejr]

I’m just a very hands on person, been that way my whole life. Just find it very interesting to work on things and repair what I can. I really enjoy learning how things work and operate.

[@treyt6765]

Hey man I have a 1994 that the sides need to be replaced. Did you take any video on how you did that ? First time taking a hack at it.

[@brianbluemkejr]

Hey add me on Instagram and message me on there and I can try to help give you some pointers. Send some photos of the area you’re trying to replace too. instagram.com/bbluemkejr?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&

[@brianbluemkejr]

Are you talking about the interior panels? If so I actually do have a video on this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX_caIGkf8qHqsksi=IZ1kLG5FmtuO8Jzm

[@lucaschiano9440]

Nice editing!

[@brianbluemkejr]

Thanks man, hope you’re enjoying the videos and subscribed!

[@deksea]

Brian, I noticed you checked alignment on the engine as part of the operation. Was the engine in alignment or did you have to make adjustments?

[@brianbluemkejr]

So the engine was good but I needed to use the alignment tool to correct the positioning of the gimble bearing so it would line up when I reinstalled the lower end. Here's the tool I used - www.amazon.com/Gimbal-Bearing-Alignment-Install-Mercruiser/dp/B08B1LB3R7/ref=sr_1_6?crid=DYVDPBF45GIB&keywords=mercruiser+gimbal+alignment+tool&qid=1697151345&sprefix=mercruiser+gimble+allignment+tool%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-6

[@treyt6765]

Where did you get your canopy?

[@brianbluemkejr]

Hey are you referring to the white canopy in the drive way over the boat? If so, I actually got it off marketplace a few years back but harbor freight has similar ones currently. COVERPRO 10 Ft. x 20 Ft. Portable Car Canopy - Item 63054 / 68218 / 69034 / 60728 / 62858 / 62857 hftools.com/app63054

[@danielboyle4368]

A pin hole can leak that bad. I had a pin hole in my shifter boot and it damn near sunk my boat.

[@brianbluemkejr]

It sure can, crazy what a tiny hole can do.

[@gdebrango]

There a gasket in the trim connector. It’s a pain in the buttocks. Changing trim hoses. Nightmare

[@brianbluemkejr]

Got it all squared away, no more leaks!

[@robertm2172]

It’s called the Merathode

[@brianbluemkejr]

What part in the video are you referring too?

[@robertm2172]

@@brianbluemkejr the lowest part where the hydraulic hoses are

[@brianbluemkejr]

Ahhh okay thank you, didn’t know that

[@chriscrystalhood6260]

Cool video , music could have been better though.

[@brianbluemkejr]

Thank you, give me some recommendations of what you would rather hear. I’m always open to feedback!