Engine / outdrive coupler

[Blu Ray]

I have a 1987 SeaRay with a 454 Magnum engine attached to an Alpha 1 1:32 ratio outdrive. Is there an easy way to determine if the coupler is gone.I was told to shift into reverse and stand on prop to see if engine moves. This does not work as too much torque is required to move anything. I was cruising at 12 mph when I lost my drive and had to be towed in to my dock. I had my prop checked out for the hub and its ok so the slippage isn,t from prop.The boat does not shift into either gear with engine running but the outdrive does lock up when engine not running which makes me think outdrive is ok. Also I have to replace the gimbal boot on the same drive . Do I have to remove the exhaust boot to get at gimbal boot? Any tips for replacing these boots>

 

[jtybt]

Re: Engine / outdrive coupler

Why anyone would match a 454 with an alpha is beyond me. It should at least have a TR drive. I think there were early Bravos in the late 80's, too.

On top of that you have a 1:1.32 ratio drive means it was a total mistake.

Maybe the 1:1.32 ratio was used to dissipate the huge torque from the 454.


Either way, it was dumb.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine / outdrive coupler

Is there an easy way to determine if the coupler is gone.

Ayuh,... Pull the outdrive,+ Look...

Also I have to replace the gimbal boot on the same drive . Do I have to remove the exhaust boot to get at gimbal boot? Any tips for replacing these boots>

Ayuh,... Replace them ALL,.. Including a new shift Cable...

Why anyone would match a 454 with an alpha is beyond me. It should at least have a TR drive. I think there were early Bravos in the late 80's, too.

On top of that you have a 1:1.32 ratio drive means it was a total mistake.

Ayuh,.... 1.32s were Always used for the couple of years the 454 was bolted to the Alpha drives....
Then in 90, the Bravos came out,+ the BBCs haven't been used with Alphas ever since...

 

[mkast]

Re: Engine / outdrive coupler

Maybe the 1:1.32 ratio was used to dissipate the huge torque from the 454.
Either way, it was dumb.

I have bumped into a 1.32 to 1 on a 255 horsepower 351. The idea of a big block using an Alpha drive isn't a bad one if used in a lighter hull instead of an eight thousand pound barge. Keep the hull weight below thirty-five hundred pounds and you'll have a fairly good performing boat.

 

[Blu Ray]

Re: Engine / outdrive coupler

Why anyone would match a 454 with an alpha is beyond me. It should at least have a TR drive. I think there were early Bravos in the late 80's, too.

On top of that you have a 1:1.32 ratio drive means it was a total mistake.

Maybe the 1:1.32 ratio was used to dissipate the huge torque from the 454.


Either way, it was dumb.

SeaRay is the culprit that did the match to the Alpha. In any case you didn't answer my question. Thnx for remarks anyway.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Engine / outdrive coupler

SeaRay is the culprit that did the match to the Alpha. In any case you didn't answer my question. Thnx for remarks anyway.

Yeah,

Four Winns did the same thing in 1987 with the 211 Liberator I have. The boat was offered with the 460 King Cobra or a 454 Alpha if you wanted a Big-Block.

The coupler can fail 2 ways. the splines can go ......it'll look like someone drilled them out with a drill press......(the drill IS the splined yoke!)

The other way is the rubber "dough-nut" can fail. You'll usually see evidence of that in a burning rubber smell and black powdered rubber in the back and bilge area.

On my previous boat (1966 150 Mercruiser) the coupler splines failed.......it was 38 years old so I figure I got good service out of it! With the drive off, using a flashlight, I could clearly see that there NO splines in the coupler!!!!

In either case, you'll have to pull the engine to replace it. Like Bondo said....if you're going to replace the bellows, replace them all in addition to the shift cable...If it's an old dog......have a close look at the gimbal bearing too!!


Regards,

Rick