Alpha One Gen 2 Shift Shaft

[gatesmoonwalker]

1996 Alpha One Gen 2
Pulled drive before the end of last season for a quick fix and made a note to myself that I need to look at shift shaft bushings as it seemed like a lot of play.
Reading up on outdrive maintenance today and want to make sure I understand this correctly. I read it as in the later models the shift shaft fits loose in the upper and lower bushings. In fact, I think it said very loose.
Am I off base here or is this correct?
This was from the manual in Don S sticky.
Appreciate the expert opinions - Thanks

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Alpha One Gen 2 Shift Shaft

Yes sir; you are correct seems like alot of play to me also.

May i suggest you pressure test the drive, and wiggle the shaft to see if it losses air, if yes then a new bushing that comes with the impeller kit can be installed, and may i suggest you look at the impeller, then that might need a new one.

Seems to me the bushing lasts about 2-3 years the amount of time a new impeller lasts.

The above are my opinion only. Here is how to do the leak test.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=255152

There is a guy on ebay sells the kit all made up seems i lost the link.
I went and found the guy on ebay heres the link, however you can make this setup yourself if you have the gauge.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Part...d=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65:10|39:1|240:1318

Good luck !

 

[gatesmoonwalker]

Re: Alpha One Gen 2 Shift Shaft

I will commit your good advise on the lower to memory and put it into action.
I should have been more clear. I am speaking of the upper shift shaft.
The exact wording is "The inner diameter of the late model bushing is much larger than the shift shaft"
My first impression was that it was sloppy. Now I am thinking that it is supposed to have some play.