I had to repair a leak of the gear-case oil in the upper part of Alpha One Gen II. Both the seal had to be replaced and the surface of the yoke had to be repaired (by installing a sleeve). All done, no problem.
But, when I started putting the driveshaft assembly together I realized that my torque wrench is too coarse (starts at 20 in-lb) to set the correct preload on the bearings. I checked local automotive shops and neither carried a suitable wrench. Even on e-bay those cost near $200. Worst of all is that I had no time to order anything from anywhere, since I had to depart for short vacations, TAKING BOAT WITH ME. So, I decided to do a temporary fix, and take more careful care of it when I will have more time.
Here is what I decided. Since the boat will only be used lightly (for fishing on a small lake, may be 10 min rides one way, few times per day) without any extensive runs or large loads (like skiers) I decided to put the bearing in with an approximate preload. Most probably, I set it somewhat tighter than 5 in-lb. And is probably less than 10 in-lb. I understand that too much preload will eventually damage the bearing, but, the bearing although looked solid and turned smooth, had some dark spots on the outside surfaces. So, again, I decided that I will replace the bearings when I will have time. For now, I decided to put them in. If incorrect preload kills them, that fine. All I need from them is to survive one week of vacations.
So, I tried the boat today, and did not see any problems with shifting or speed. I also tried touching the outdrive surface to check its temperature. I found that near the area of the bearings the body of the outdrive is warm after running with low RPMS, and is considerably warmer after running for few minutes with about 3000 RPM. This temperature is nothing like the brake drums, you can hold your hands on it. And, it can?t be very hot. since the outdrive is in the water. But, near the bearing spot it is clearly hotter than anywhere else on the outdrive.
So, I have few questions:
First, I never touched the outdrive before, and can?t compare. Thus, my first question is this: Is it OK if the upper part, where the bearings are, is quite warmer than the rest? Is this normal?
Second, how dangerous is the overheating from tight bearings? Can it damage something quickly, or I am OK for a weak??
Finally, where to get that torque wrench when I will try to fix it properly??
Thanks for reading this diary!
Added: My boat numbers are: 1993 4.3LX/V6 serial number 0F0244564;
But, when I started putting the driveshaft assembly together I realized that my torque wrench is too coarse (starts at 20 in-lb) to set the correct preload on the bearings. I checked local automotive shops and neither carried a suitable wrench. Even on e-bay those cost near $200. Worst of all is that I had no time to order anything from anywhere, since I had to depart for short vacations, TAKING BOAT WITH ME. So, I decided to do a temporary fix, and take more careful care of it when I will have more time.
Here is what I decided. Since the boat will only be used lightly (for fishing on a small lake, may be 10 min rides one way, few times per day) without any extensive runs or large loads (like skiers) I decided to put the bearing in with an approximate preload. Most probably, I set it somewhat tighter than 5 in-lb. And is probably less than 10 in-lb. I understand that too much preload will eventually damage the bearing, but, the bearing although looked solid and turned smooth, had some dark spots on the outside surfaces. So, again, I decided that I will replace the bearings when I will have time. For now, I decided to put them in. If incorrect preload kills them, that fine. All I need from them is to survive one week of vacations.
So, I tried the boat today, and did not see any problems with shifting or speed. I also tried touching the outdrive surface to check its temperature. I found that near the area of the bearings the body of the outdrive is warm after running with low RPMS, and is considerably warmer after running for few minutes with about 3000 RPM. This temperature is nothing like the brake drums, you can hold your hands on it. And, it can?t be very hot. since the outdrive is in the water. But, near the bearing spot it is clearly hotter than anywhere else on the outdrive.
So, I have few questions:
First, I never touched the outdrive before, and can?t compare. Thus, my first question is this: Is it OK if the upper part, where the bearings are, is quite warmer than the rest? Is this normal?
Second, how dangerous is the overheating from tight bearings? Can it damage something quickly, or I am OK for a weak??
Finally, where to get that torque wrench when I will try to fix it properly??
Thanks for reading this diary!
Added: My boat numbers are: 1993 4.3LX/V6 serial number 0F0244564;
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