Upper bearing preload

[GhostriderL76]

Alpha 1-Gen2 OM517265 (2002) (230 hrs)
Hello forum, 1st post here and could use some help. Pulled the lower to replace the impeller. Then pulled upper to inspect bellows and gimbal bearing. Bellows had about a 1/4 cup of gear oil. Ordered an upper seal kit.

Removed the nut and tension washer and disassembled the bearing pack and pinion gear from drive shaft. Replaced yoke seal and inspected and cleaned seal journal on yoke.

Cleaned pinion gear and pressed on bearings with brake cleaner and lightly re-oiled. There is no floating spacer as the shop manual shows, just two race housings that touch. Holding either race the other spins with very little to no interference with the other race, I can push the two bearings together by hand and get resistance on the race housings when rotating.

Do I need to get more clearance then this to begin the preload procedure? Do I need to press the larger bearing back a tad? I read where Chris just taps the pinion shaft while holding the race housing in hand to "clearance" a bit.

Thank you.

 

[Fun Times]

Wondering what Merc service manual dated + part number do you have handy?

Though it took some time to come out there have been a few newer Alpha gen 2 manuals created over the years and typically the newer ones haven't really shown up online for free or even digitally bought that I'm aware of. Along with the updated manuals are updated ways of newer designs to put the drives back together as it seems you have taken note of here.

Your serial number suggests you ought to (or could) be using Merc manual part number,

90-8M0065951

as it covers roughly 2012 (and probably a bit under) up to 2020 while part number 90-8M0164047 gets you 2020 on up and ought to cover the design you're working with but may also show a different design too should there be any other updated ways of internal changes during the manufacturing process as they often do.

The following are your 2 options to consider getting vs what it may seem you have now,

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That mentioned, it appears service manual 90-818177--3 APRIL 2001 Page 3A-15 Page on down (Page 3A-24 +) covers the steps you're referencing too... Be sure to read all the Special notes and Information areas..: Universal Joint Bearing Set IMPORTANT: Alpha One Sterndrive Units beginning with serial number 0L100009 and above no longer use the cone spacer between the bearings in the U-joint assembly to set the bearing preload. A new procedure has been established for adjusting this preload and is covered in the following instructions. The O.D. of the new drive gear bearing carrier has changed to 3.265 in. (82.9 mm).

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
In our stickes there is a link for service manuals. Select the first one in that area and a site comes up and A1G2 manual is on top
https://forums.iboats.com/threads/miscellaneous-mercruiser-information.323278/

You want to measure rolling torque and will require a rolling torque wrench. In the same link above look for Merc videos by member achris. The first one is how to measure it
https://forums.iboats.com/threads/a-couple-of-new-videos.570843/

 

[harringtondav]

Alpha 1-Gen2 OM517265 (2002) (230 hrs)
There is no floating spacer as the shop manual shows, just two race housings that touch.

This spacer (#21 below) is necessary to insure the inner races/cages don't contact nose to nose, and to maintain the length of the assembly. Without it, the splines on the gear yoke will extend past the face of the pinion and the lock nut won't preload anything and the loose assembly will self destruct. ..the spacer has to be somewhere in your shop. If lost p/n 853649 is available.
Best to get a manual for this operation. In my mind it's the most complicated and critical in the whole drive.
..I learned the hard way that the garter spring on the seal must be pressed into the carrier to the inside - wet side of the drive. Otherwise you'll find gear lube in the bellows the next time you pull the drive.

 

[GhostriderL76]

Thank you for the input. I miss named the "spacer" as race housing. All the parts are here and accounted for.

 

[GhostriderL76]

Took to a boat mechanic today and he said I am good to go for the preload procedure.