Need some help with alpha 1 gen 1 sterndrive

[kcamacho]

Hi everyone I am back to boating after a hiatus due to having kids. We came back and bought a 28ft thundercraft with twin 4.3lx and alpha one drives. This weekend my port counter rotating drive let go. Not sure exactly what the issue is yet as I'll be pulling the drive this weekend. At first look I think the upper gears stripped out. Shaft through the transom is still spinning. Any opinions on which route I should go?

I've heard once the upper strips out you have to replace the lower also due to debris from the upper. Can I reuse my lower or is it also cooked?

Should I have mine rebuilt or purchase a SEI replacement this is my first time dealing with a broken drive so any help would be great.

 

[Scott06]

If you want plug and play and can install a drive the SEI is a good route to go.

When the upper goes you should disassemble and clean the lower as metal shavings can get in to lower via the lube.

Can't say if the lower is good or bad until it is torn down

 

[kcamacho]

If you want plug and play and can install a drive the SEI is a good route to go.

When the upper goes you should disassemble and clean the lower as metal shavings can get in to lower via the lube.

Can't say if the lower is good or bad until it is torn down

That's what I figured. I've never torn down a lower how difficult is it? I'm mechanically inclined. I am going to check the service manual tonight and see if it's over my head.

 

[Scott06]

That's what I figured. I've never torn down a lower how difficult is it? I'm mechanically inclined. I am going to check the service manual tonight and see if it's over my head.

I've never had to do it either. But I think hardest part is getting bearing carrier out on an older drive. Not sure if you need any Merc specific tools if just reinstalling original bearings etc

@Bondo or @kenny nunez would likely know

 

[Bondo]

I've never had to do it either. But I think hardest part is getting bearing carrier out on an older drive. Not sure if you need any Merc specific tools if just reinstalling original bearings etc

@Bondo or @kenny nunez would likely know

Nope,... Not me,.... In NY I had a guy that did 'em all day long, 'n then on the side at home,....

 

[dubs283]

You'll need a large two jaw puller and the carrier retainer tool, the drive shaft spline tool and pinion nut tool

Might get away without the pinion nut tool but it's much easier with it. Probably get away with making a shift shaft bushing tool

No clue as to the cost but they are all described in the oem manual, you'll need #6. Once you get the tool part numbers maybe ebay/aftermarket?