replacing bellows on Alpha one Gen2

[dlogvine]

Another problem, this is such a pain in the neck. After all bellows were replaced, i checked the bearing alignment with the alignment tool, looked centered and was spinning effortlessly. Tried to install the outdrive but this sucker first went in to the position where the bolts were aligned right below the edge of he outdrive but was not able to slide it any further despite pulling he outdrive up and down and rattling it numerous times. I had exactly the same problem last time I removed his same outdrive, it refused to slide in and took me several hours of cursing and jerking it back and force, up and down until the stubborn sob went in. But this time stupid me, i decided to take a look inside and double check the bearing, u-joint bellow ring and i pulled the outdrive completely out. Of course all the above mentioned parts were sitting riht at their places, but Now this sucker refuses to go any further than the position where the bolts are almost touching the outdrive but does not slide in any more. Any advice as to what can i do short of spending another several hous curing and moving it up and down in a hope that it will change its damn mind and slides in. Thank you.

 

[dlogvine]

And to clarify, i did the outdrive maintenance and impeller replacement job on the other boats wihout any problems. Every single time the outdrive was sliding on easily and it took me not more than 5 minutes to put it on. It is just this boat and this outdrive that causes all the problems

 

[nola mike]

At this point is your drive shaft into the coupler yet? Try turning the prop CCW. If it's in the coupler, you won't be able to spin it. At the point you're describing, on my engine the shaft is knocking on the coupler. Because of the u joints, the shaft is usually bent one way or the other. I go in the boat and guide the shaft into the coupler. With a helper it's super easy, solo takes a bit more effort. If the shaft is already in the coupler, make sure that the shift shaft is engaged correctly with the shoe.

 

[dlogvine]

At this point is your drive shaft into the coupler yet? Try turning the prop CCW. If it's in the coupler, you won't be able to spin it. At the point you're describing, on my engine the shaft is knocking on the coupler. Because of the u joints, the shaft is usually bent one way or the other. I go in the boat and guide the shaft into the coupler. With a helper it's super easy, solo takes a bit more effort. If the shaft is already in the coupler, make sure that the shift shaft is engaged correctly with the shoe.

Most likely the sjaft is not in the coupler, it was there first time i did try to slide the outdrive in. Now it is a little off, ill check from the engine side tomorrow. Unfortunately there is nobody who can or is willing to help with 107 degree heat

 

[JoLin]

I have to do this on 2 drives every year, and getting the shaft to slide into the coupler can be a royal PITA. It's the luck of the draw. I've had it take a couple of dozen "adjustments", and I've had it slide right in on the first try. The latter occurrence has only happened once. I was so surprised that I thought I'd screwed something up.

My .02

 

[JASinIL2006]

I hate this part. Sometimes the shaft goes right into the coupler, other times the drive shaft seems to have a mind of its own and a desire to avoid the coupler at all costs.

The most reliable thing I've found - and I know this isn't very helpful - is to come back a day later and try again. Not good if you're in a hurry to get the job done, but it is surprising how often it works for me.

 

[JoLin]

The most reliable thing I've found - and I know this isn't very helpful - is to come back a day later and try again. Not good if you're in a hurry to get the job done, but it is surprising how often it works for me.

That method has worked for me on a couple of different projects. Sometimes ya just need to take a break and let time adjust your attitude. The boat knows when you're annoyed with it. Sometimes you can scare it into submission (loud cursing), but most of the time it just gets ornery...

My .02

 

[dlogvine]

I pulled my arm trying to get this sucker into a submission. Than later same night I took a hit in a soccer game and got my shoulder jammed into the ground pretty hard, so it is quite painfull to move my arm. That will give me some time to think about a better strategy and the boat to get used to the idea that this outdrive WILL get in the place as soon as Im back in shape to move it.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Years ago I had an outdrive that leaked water into the shift shaft cavity. I took it off on vacation so many times I got pretty good at it. Key for me was having the boat jack set so the drive skag sat on the ground and kept things pretty well aligned without me having to lift at all. Also using a bungee on the prop to hold the drive in forward is essential. Once I had a method it always took just seconds to install a drive from then on. Never had to do it in 107 degree heat, nor with my arm and shoulder bunged up. That would suck.