re-installing Alpha 1

[Motor_head_53]

I am having trouble reinstalling my alpha 1 gen. 1 back into my mercruiser 3.0L. It is almost all the way on, but it stopped with about 3/4 of an inch left and it is just shy of the studs so I can't put the nuts on. it looks like it is in the motor when I turn the prop the coupler on the back of the motor turns. I used the alignment tool when I replaced the gimbal bearing. Everything is lubed according to the manual does any one have any secretes?
Thanks
Jason

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

Control box in fwd and drive in fwd.Slips right on .

 

[ziggy]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

i hear them orings on the drive shaft can cause a shade of grief the last little bit. the mercruiser kick seems to be the answer. or
did ya check alignment at 4 points?
did ya turn the prop to try and turn the spines on the drive shaft to get the drive shaft lined with the coupler?
the coupler turns?

it looks like it is in the motor when I turn the prop the coupler on the back of the motor turns.

i hope not?
agree with bd. mine just slid right on. did it myself with a drive stand....

 

[thunderroad]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

I used to have to lay a piece of 2x4 against my drive and tap it with a 4lb hammer to get it to go together the last little bit. The last few times I've had it off, I've been extra picky about the alignment and it has slid right in.
One time I got mine to within about 1/4" and it wouldn't go any further. I found the large rubber gasket/oring had gotten out of whack. You said 3/4" so I doubt that's your problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

Was the alignment OK?

 

[Motor_head_53]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

I double and triple checked the alignment and it is good. It is in forward both on the throttle and on the out drive. Well I don't think it is an o-ring problem. I turned the prop. I don't know what it is turning on the back of the motor when I turn the prop but there is only a little bit of the splines sticking out of it. I will attach a photo in a min. ?check the alignment at four points? I don't know what you mean by that.

 

[Motor_head_53]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

here are some of my novice pics.

 

[ziggy]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

check the alignment at four points?

pull the spark plugs and manually rotate the enine starting werever at 0*, rotate to 90*, check alignment, rotate to 180*, check, 270*, check, that's 4 points. this will help confirm that the coupler isn't not straight with your world.. your alignment bar should slide in smooth at all 4 points....

 

[Motor_head_53]

Re: re-installing Alpha 1

Well
I gave her a little "kick" with my ruber mallet and it went on. So I am now on to the next problem which is the trim system and when I get her all done. I will tear it off agin and get it perfect. Plus I am going to buy an alignment tool. I thank the guy who let me rent the tool, but by the sound of things it will be a good thing to have in my tool arsonal.
Thanks for all your help,
Jason