Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

[wayndog11]

I took off outdrive and installed the bellows, water hose, and gimbal bearing. I am now reinstalling the outdrive and cannot get it to go on all the way. There is about 3 inches of gap. The studs are half way into the outdrive and the shift linkage is all lined up. I don't know what or why it will not go all the way on. It almost feels like the u-joint is stuck on something? Could it be the driveshaft splines? Any one who knows the answer, please help. I would like to make the poker run next week!!!!! Thanks!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Two things. You have to align the gimbal bearing with the coupler with the alignment tool. They don't always go in true in relation to the coupler. Second, with the shifter and gearcase in forward, push the drive forward while barely turning the prop in reverse to move the driveshaft until the splines align. You have to do both of those two things, or get really really lucky.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Also, if you replaced the o-rings on the drive shaft, they will be a b@$%* to get through the gimble bearing. Oil helps.

 

[Rob454]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

If the gimball bearing isnt aligned the drive will never go back on. You need a tool for that. I dont know the cost of the tool. I made my own out of some stainless steel bar
Rob

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

I had the same problem. The shaft had a light coat of rust on it along its length in various places and near the splines. I fully sanded the shaft and applied a very light coat of oil. It slid right in.

Even just a small amount of rust can cause it to bind.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

If the gimball bearing isnt aligned the drive will never go back on. You need a tool for that. I dont know the cost of the tool. I made my own out of some stainless steel bar
Rob

Check ebay, they typically go for about $50

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Mine hits that same spot most every time. Even after using the alignment tool. I just lean on it with my left shoulder, reach down with my right arm, grab the right side of the prop and pull up on it. I doesn't take much, just enough to line up the splines, then it slides right in. The alignment is the key, however. That tool was money well spent...even though I needed one too fast for ebay and had to purchase it locally for about twice the price.

 

[wayndog11]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Thanks guys for all your help!!!!!! I got it in today!! I had to sand the rust off of the drive shaft and REALLY oil the O rings to get it on. I also used a steel pipe to get the alignment. Thanks again!!!!!!

 

[ksherb]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

what kind of oil (smae grease as on splines?)? About to blow a spleen doing the same thing. Was hoping someone near the top was having the same problem, cause my arms are too tired to click down.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Thanks guys for all your help!!!!!! I got it in today!! I had to sand the rust off of the drive shaft and REALLY oil the O rings to get it on. I also used a steel pipe to get the alignment. Thanks again!!!!!!

You can't do the alignment properly with a steel pipe. If your alignment is off, the next thing you may be doing is pulling your engine to replace your worn out coupler.

 

[hoot]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

sometimes it can be the u-joint catching on the lip in the gimbal housing. the joint is a double floppy thing and will hang down and catch the housing. and be dang sure the o-ring around the water inlet hole stays in place.

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

sorry for delayed response, I just put a light coat of grease on the shaft, same stuff you use on the universal joints.

 

[stronga]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Is this what the mercruiser gimball bearing aligned tool looks like?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Nope. It's a big, long metal bar:

 

[stronga]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Thanks you guys I got her all a part. Replaced the limit switch wires, the shifter cable, and the shifter cable bellows. And, unlike my grandfathers pocket watch that I took apart when I was a kid I got the whole outdrive back together and working.

Thanks again for your help. I could not have done it without you.

Now if we can get Lake Lewisville out of flood stage and open again I can go for a ride.

 

[Jeremy420]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Hey guys.. having same problem here so thought it best to add to this thread.. 3.0L alpha one.. Gimbal bearing cocked to the right, trying to align it..
Guess it's not good to add here.. started a new thread with the question. Sorry, no hi-jacking intended.. good luck!

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

You move the engine to match the bearing!!!!!!!!!!!!
You should have adjustments on the motor mounts

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Jeremy, start a new thread with your question.
It's NEVER proper to add on to an existing thread. It's confusing and is just hijacking someone elses thread to make it your own.

 

[Jeremy420]

Re: Can't get alpha one outdrive back on....help!

Ok Don thanks! Didn't realize...