Alpha Drive Leak

ricksi

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Oct 12, 2010
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30
I have a steady stream of water coming through my Alpha One outdrive. It's a small stream, just beyond a drip. It is centered on the bottom metal cavity directly under the trim hoses . I recently installed a new engine and decided to install a Mercathode system. I was convinced it was the cause of the leak given it's location. It has a built in seal, I inspected and reassembled it paying close attention to the torque specs. I still had the leak, so I tried again this time using RTV. I even filled the hole where the wires go through, but no success. I replaced the Y pipe a few years ago and inspected it when the engine was out, so I don't think it's the source. Anyone have any ideas?
 
Joined
May 6, 2011
Messages
7
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

Those built in seals where yer mercathide wires run thru are irreplaceable I've seen those fail..they come with zinc that bolts to the mercathode and there's also a gaskets there
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,357
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

Ayuh,... As ya know, there ain't no Easy Button for dealing with this stuff,...
And,...
the only way to find a leak is, LOOK...

Maybe using a mirror, or camera might help...
 

ricksi

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Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
30
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

Believe me, I have become a contortionist trying to pinpoint the exact point. My wife had to pull me out of the bilge by my ankles. With a light and mirror I can see that it's coming from under the hoses but between the Y pipe, the hoses, and the flywheel housing, that's as close as I can get.
 

ricksi

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Joined
Oct 12, 2010
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30
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

I just did and it's leaking from the transom plate. I reached in to see if the lower transom bolts were tight and the first of the 2 lower bolts turned easily and came right out. The bolt is tapered as if it went through a pencil sharpener. I suspect the others are not much better. Maybe there's a dissimilar metal issue, but it seems like those bolts should have been stainless steel. How bad is the news? Can I change them without removing the motor?
 

Pete104

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Apr 30, 2011
Messages
1,439
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

Maybe! If they are very bottom ones, yes. You have get the other half out & as flexible as you seem to be, put the new ones in. Good luck!
 

ricksi

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Oct 12, 2010
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Re: Alpha Drive Leak

I'm trying to talk my cat into doing it.
 

Pete104

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Apr 30, 2011
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Re: Alpha Drive Leak

Purr-fect job for a cat! (kidding)

Just so you know, you are up against " transon issues". Moisture got to those bolts somehow. They are only made of aluminum & deteriorate pretty quick once they are wet. Anything new is better than what you have now!
 

Bondo

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71,357
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

How bad is the news? Can I change them without removing the motor?

Ayuh,... The Bad news is, Yes, ya Gotta pull the motor...

Those are the anode stud/ bolts...
Their aluminum...
Ya need to put the Right 1s back in...

Like Pete says, ya gotta find the leak,... Those bolts should be reasonably dry...
A wet transom can really be BAD news...
 

ricksi

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
30
Re: Alpha Drive Leak

When I installed the Mercathode, I was instructed to throw the anodes away and screw on plastic caps. Since I no longer need the zinc protection, can't I just use stainless steel bolts?
 
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