putting pre alpha back on??????

[silverline1971]

Hello....i have a 120 hp merc with a pre alpha outdrive,and im having one heck of a time trying to re-install it back on the boat.First of all i did not use an alignment tool due that i do noy have one,and could not borrow one.The problem i think...i put a 18-2100 new gimble bearing in, and i think it is really tight on my shaft. I cant even get the outdrive to come back off, and its barely in.Really not sure if the splines are matched back up to force on with a mallet....PLEASE HELP!!!!!! I think this forum is awesome, and every question i had on here,were answered...it it helps someone new to boating like myself(also trying to save a buck!)

 

[airshot]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Until you get an alignment tool and make sure all is lined up correctly we can't tell you much more.
If the alignment tool goes in so will the outdrive. If you start forcing things, it will cost you big time!!

Airshot

 

[stonyloam]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

For the shaft to go through the gimbal bearing and into the coupler the bore of the bearing must be exactly aligned with the bore of the coupler. Since the inner part of the bearing can move within the bearing housing (the gimbal part) without an alignment tool you have no way of knowing if you have the correct alignment, or of aligning it. Your current problem is that the bearing and coupler are NOT properly aligned. You need to get an alignment tool, try e-bay about 40 bucks.

 

[cpubud]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

must have an alignment tool to make sure it is a straight shot in with the shaft. no ifs ,ands ,or butts. to make sure new gimbal bearing is aligned properly.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

At the risk of sounding redundant - I like to cover the basics first. Is it locked solid or is there some " give " ? If so, slip her into forward gear and she'll come right off.

 

[Bondo]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

.First of all i did not use an alignment tool due that i do noy have one,and could not borrow one.

Ayuh,... Until you Do, yer goin' Nowhere, Fast...

 

[Doernuth]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Get the alignment tool, you need it.

Did you test fit the new gimbal bearing to the shaft before you installed it to make sure it would slide over the shaft?

Manufacturing defects do occur....

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Please note that the adjustment to get the alignment tool to slide in properly is on the front of the engine mount--up and down. There is no sideways adjustment.

Even if you'd got the shaft to go in, without an alignment, the rubber coupler would be eaten up the first time you made a turn. (I speak from experience.)

 

[Doernuth]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Please note that the adjustment to get the alignment tool to slide in properly is on the front of the engine mount--up and down. There is no sideways adjustment.

Even if you'd got the shaft to go in, without an alignment, the rubber coupler would be eaten up the first time you made a turn. (I speak from experience.)

Not even mentioning the damage to the gimbal bearing from the stress.....

 

[silverline1971]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Thanks now i did find a new alignment tool on ebay,and it says its for mercruiser....but how do i know it will work on mine? 120 hp????? it was only $23 bucks

 

[Cisnal]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Hey buddy just telling you my story. I am a Novice and tried changing the propeller well guess what a 30 dollar piece cost me an arm and a leg...I had to change my shift cable and Gear Shaft arm since I bent it.....Look at all your options and search well...I missed this part....You have to make sure everything is properly aligned trust me I learned the hard way...

 

[Allmand]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

Hey man, I am looking at that same alignment tool. Better hurry! Just kidding, says he has 10 available. What is confusing to me is that in the search results is also a bigger set that includes the alignment tool, gimbal bearing installation tool, o-ring installation tool? I wonder if we really need all that? I ordered a rebuilt top end to my mercruiser 160 outdrive and will be doing the reinstall as well. Not looking forward to it.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: putting pre alpha back on??????

the $23 will be fine.you'll have it for a lifetime and there's a couple of good how to's up in the sticky section at the top of the page and a few good vids on youtube to give you some direction also.better be safe than sorry as its better than pulling the engine out to replace a failed coupler for the $23.now see if you can pull the drive off and try the gimbal bearing if you can get it off again, over the shaft.it may need the o-rings lubing.