Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

[dolemite_1]

Hey guys; Have a quick question that I have searched but don't feel I have a definitive answer; also checked the manual in adult section. I am remounting my outdrive onto a 4.3L mercruiser but can't get the outdrive to sit flush against the bell housing. I have changed all the seals and have the drive in gear but it seems to miss sitting flush by about 5mm. Just about the width of the rubber gasket that sits in front of the aluminum ring holding the bellows on. The gear shift? (my word for it _forked receptacle) is also lined up and fitting into shift shaft? (on the underside of outdrive) all next to where the speedomoeter cable hooks up.

So my question is the 5mm space being caused by the rubber gasket? (only one there). I can tighten the nuts and the outdrive will start to move into being flush with the bell housing seemingly compressing this gasket. Is this normal or am I destroying something on the inside by getting it to sit flush by tightening the nuts to compress this area?


So is the outdrive supposed to sit flush when mounted and not tightened down or have that 5mm space before being tightened?

Possible engine alignment issue? (BTW don't have the tool and no money to buy one, please make this suggestion the last option)


Lastly the paint that is on a brand new prop; is that antifouling paint on it or do I have to spray paint over that with some. (am moored all season in salt water - no trailer)



Thx a lot in advance

 

[boat127]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

hey there. i read your post i was going to ask if you checked the engine alignment then i noticed you said you didn't have the tool or the money to buy one. i really recommend checking the alignment. can you borrow one from some one. if engine alignment isnt right you will burn out your coupler and thats not cheap .

the drive should jsut slide on do you have the shift shafts aligned?

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

Here are the dementions have your local machine shop make one for 30.00. Shifter in forward, shift foot lighned up. O-ring can be a little resistant but should go with a good push. If you greased the spline on the shaft sometimes you can gat an air lock in the coupler too. If the shift is ligned up i'd tighten it up with the nuts. But not until i aligned it first. 30 bucks could save you hundreds or no boating, your call. good luck!

 

[dolemite_1]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

Yeah the shift shaft is lined up. So without having to tighten the nuts should it sit flush against the bell housing? With two of us pushing on it it still wont sit flush; yet it will if I tighten the nuts. My fear is the torque from tightening the nuts is crushing something just to get it to sit flush. What sort of places could machine that alignment tool ( excuse my ignorance)

thx

 

[cr2k]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

Wondering, did you replace the crush ring? Are there 2 of them in there?
And finally did you lube the o-rings that go thru the gimbal?

Alignment is most important. If you can not afford the alignment tool, can you afford a new coupler at $200-$300 ea plus pulling the engine to replace?

I would bet your local marine shop would loan you one. Or charge a minimum to check it for you.

 

[dolemite_1]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

Crush Ring? Is that the rubber gasket I was referring to that sits pressed up against the aluminum clamp that holds the bellows in place? If so and that is supposed to crush then that is my problem. Because the distance of that rubber gasket is how far the drive is spaced from the bell housing after being pushed in all the way. And yes I only have one in there.

As for the other O-rings I replaced the three on the drive shaft of the outdrive and the one on the bell housing inlet for water passage.

I also realize that engine alignment is important BUT is the outdrive supposed to sit flush up against the bell housing before tightening the nuts after only pushing it into place? Or should there be approximately 5mm space that prevents you from pushing it that last 5mm?

If it is out of alignment how far out would that prevent the drive shaft from moving in

Thx

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

BUT is the outdrive supposed to sit flush up against the bell housing before tightening the nuts after only pushing it into place?

Ayuh,.... It should slide ALL the way in, by person power, not by being drawn down with the nuts...

 

[dolemite_1]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive install question

Follow up.

So by complete luck I came across a person who had the alingment tool. On insertion the first time it went in a bit sticky but it did go all the way. The subsequent insertions were smoother. Afterwards the drive went on all the way without having to use the nuts.