Alpha Drive Lower Unit Removal

[DeckApe]

Removing my lower unit to replace the water pump insides. Drive S/N 4640412, 1976 or 77 MerCruiser 233 HP. Followed the manual, checked and rechecked the steps. I have all the bolts and nuts off and the lower unit separated, but the cast piece on the top of the shift shaft obviously won't come through the hole in the upper housing that the shift shaft goes through. I don't see any reference to this piece anywhere and there are no instructions on how to remove it in any of the manuals I have. Can anyone help me?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alpha Drive Lower Unit Removal

The shift shaft is 2 pieces which slide together in a splined fit. If the upper part won't slide up off the lower you should try to find the spot where they split and shoot some lubricant in there, or somehow pry them apart.
Did you use this tutorial? http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=113737&stc=1&d=1316021371. It's the best info...bet this helps you. If it does not, come on back and ask.

 

[DeckApe]

Re: Alpha Drive Lower Unit Removal

After looking at parts schematic, on another website, over and over I figured it was just gummed up and chances were I wouldn't break anything by "persuading" it with a little more force. About ten good tugs straight down and the lower shift shaft separated from the upper piece. Thanks for the response.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alpha Drive Lower Unit Removal

With a handle like "DeckApe" I'm surprised you didn't rip it off in the first place!

 

[Garykoznh]

Re: Alpha Drive Lower Unit Removal

The shift shaft is 2 pieces which slide together in a splined fit. If the upper part won't slide up off the lower you should try to find the spot where they split and shoot some lubricant in there, or somehow pry them apart.
Did you use this tutorial? http://forums.iboats.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=113737&stc=1&d=1316021371. It's the best info...bet this helps you. If it does not, come on back and ask.

HI Dave, Lake Winni guy here too. 87 Chaparral with Alpha one 4.3. Trying to drop the lower end for a water pump replacement. I have to put the unit in reverse. Lower unit drops about 3 inches. Can't budge from there. When in Fwd and/or N it will drop about 1/2 inch. Was yours just stuck? If I keep forcing it I fear something will break. Open for suggestions. Tks! (Merrimack NH). Gary

MOD EDIT: Gary - you posted to an 11 year old thread. Please be sure to review the forum rules about posting to to old threads.