Problems with R&R alpha 1

[TooTired]

Well I took the outdrive off to service it for the first time. I have always just took it to the dealer, but decided to do it myself this time. Its a 1986 3.0 liter and alpha 1 drive. Everything went smooth but I can't get the drive back on all the way. I can only get it to the point where I can barly get studs thru the holes on the 6 bolt that hold the drive on. I know the shift linkage is all line up and the drive shaft seems to make it into the engine coupler splines. I just can't seem to get it to slide that last -1/2" so that I can bolt it up. What could the problem be??

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

hello<br /> did you check the shaft alignment. are you sure the shift slide and the upper and lower shafts are mating?<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[TooTired]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Yes alignment is good and shift slide mating. How do i check the upper and lower shafts? ... that may be the problem.

 

[TooTired]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

I followed the instructions at mercstuff.com and it did not mention anything about upper and lower shafts mating. I did get it in far enough that the shaft was in the engine coupler as the prop shaft would no longer spin (Boat in forward gear). Could it still be misaligned?

 

[djvan]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Not much experience, but maybe try to put another person in the boat and turn the engine over by hand as you try to push the outdrive on the rest of the way.<br /><br />HTH's <br /><br />DougV>

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

TooTired<br /> If everything is aligned as you say,try giving it a good shove.Between tight splines,gimble bearing/shaft fit,and possibly misaligned studs it may be what is needed.Once in awhile I have been known to give a swift kick to the drive.<br />DHP

 

[Walt T]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

you DID put it in forward before you pulled it didnt you???

 

[TooTired]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Yes, that was the first thing I did. I left it in forward for the whole process.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Where did you put the big rubber gasket that fits between the outdrive and gimble housing? (It's the one about 4" in diameter). The reason I ask is becuase I read an article somewhere that recommended putting it on the outdrive, and then slipping the outdrive into position. I tried it that way and it hung up as you describe. After taking it back off, I discovered that the gasket had slipped and was pinched.<br /><br />Come to find out, the article I read was wrong. You need to install the big rubber gasket into the housing first and then slip the outdrive on.<br /><br />Another hint I found helpful, (posted here by someone a while back - sorry, I don't know who to give credit to), is to use some duct tape to keep the prop in forward and keep the outdrive from slipping out of gear. It's a whole lot easier than having someone hold the prop while you slip the outdrive in.

 

[Darian F.]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

some times that kick is needed alot even on new drives and engines.<br /><br />If you are sure the input shaft is splined up correctely, and you have the drive studs at least partially started, crawl under and look at the shift shaft it should be meshed together upper and lower anb be pointing fore and aft.<br /><br />next on the list your boat has to be up high enough to allow drive to go all the way down without hitting the ground <br />sometimes the u-joints get hung up if the drive is not completely down <br />good luck keep posting

 

[TooTired]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Well I know I followed all the steps correctly and everything is lines up. So I guess I will just have to put a little more muscle into it or even give it a couple of kicks. Like I said before,everything was lined up and the shaft was even in the coupler splines. It was to the point that the studs were in the outdrive, but not enough to get the washers and bolts on. I was not sure if I should put much more force into it,but it seems thats whats needed. Im going to have my brother come over this weekend and give me a hand with it. It might be easier with two of us.

 

[TooTired]

Re: Problems with R&R alpha 1

Well my brother came over today and gave me a hand. The extra set of hands was all i needed. I was talking to the mechanic that I get to do some of the repairs to my boat that I can't do. He said he uses a special jack to hold and line the outdrive up when he does them. He also said from time to time he still needs some assistance even with the jack. Should be easier next time I do it! thanks guys