Alpha one linkage question

Haut Medoc

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Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Alpha one linkage question


It's not that hard......
It will take two hours or so....
You will need to pull & reinstall the drive.....
This should be done at least yearly to check alignment & grease the u joints anyway.....
It will cost about $200 if a shop does it provided you can get it in this time of year.....
If you have some tools & are not helpless, you will save some good money doing your own preventative maintenence.....;)
The procedure is outlined in Don S link to manual #6 posted above.....
& of course you have this forum to help if you encounter any snags....
One word of caution, do not forget to put the helm in foreward to remove the drive.....
This is also the time to inspect the ujoint bellows for any signs of failure or impending failure.....
They generally have the same life span as the cable.......:)
 

smithrock

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Jun 11, 2007
Messages
399
Re: Alpha one linkage question

Thank you very much ! I'll give it a go ! Does it matter if the trim is in the up or down position ? Will I need new gaskets?
 

Haut Medoc

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Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Alpha one linkage question


Trimm should be down......
Put the skeg of the drive right on the ground for removal, it will make putting the drive back on much easier......
Yes, new gaskets anytime the drive is removed.....
About $8 bucks at West marine.....;)
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
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62,321
Re: Alpha one linkage question

Read The Manual

Section 2A has complete details on removing and installing the outdrive.

Section 4A explains how to R&R the shift cable and bellows.

After reading, YOU are the only one that can determine if you have the abilities to do the job or not.

ANY time you take something apart that has and oring or gasket, they get replaced. They are one time use only.
 

smithrock

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399
Re: Alpha one linkage question

Do I just need the cable or do I need the whole kit?
 

Haut Medoc

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Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Alpha one linkage question

At the minimum you need the cable & agasket set....
Take the drive off & see how corroded the components are.....
What is the condition of the shift bellows?.....
I'd just but the kit, then you can replace all of it or just what needs to be....
But..... At least you will have all the parts on hand, so you won't be forced to stop & start again if you find it needs more than the cable itself.......
Do not forget to check the u joint bellows......
If they are supect, now is the time to change them as well.....
If they fail, it will be a very expensive lesson........;)
 

smithrock

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Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
399
Re: Alpha one linkage question

At the minimum you need the cable & agasket set....
Take the drive off & see how corroded the components are.....
What is the condition of the shift bellows?.....
I'd just but the kit, then you can replace all of it or just what needs to be....
But..... At least you will have all the parts on hand, so you won't be forced to stop & start again if you find it needs more than the cable itself.......
Do not forget to check the u joint bellows......
If they are supect, now is the time to change them as well.....
If they fail, it will be a very expensive lesson........;)


Okay, I'll just buy the kit. What am I looking for as far as faulty U-joint bellows?
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Alpha one linkage question


Well, they are rubber.....
Kinda like the hose on a car....
Go to a West Marine or anyplace that has 'em on the shelf.....
Feel the difference......
Again, don't put it off if you think they could fail....
If you are all ready into the cable, then it isn't that much further.....;)
 

smithrock

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Jun 11, 2007
Messages
399
Re: Alpha one linkage question

I know I have an alpha 1 drive I'm not sure if it's a Generation 2 or not. Does it matter as far as what kit I buy? The serial # I got off it is: A324821 it was very hard to read, if the "8" isn't correct then it's a "3" in place of the 8 The boat is a '85
 

smithrock

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
399
Re: Alpha one linkage question

If it's '85 it is Gen 1.....;)

I really want to "Thank You" for all your help! I'm hoping to get everything and give it go next weekend or so. I'll let ya know how it goes.
 
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