Pulling outdrive for the first time

[EricT22]

With my first season of owning a boat coming to an end I’m going to be pulling the outdrive on my alpha1 gen1 for the first time and replace the bellows, gimbal bearing and impeller. Not sure when they were last done so i might as well do it. I will also be inspecting the u joints and replacing if needed. I’m just looking for confirmation on part numbers before i order them to make sure i get the right parts to do the job before i start. [h=1]Sierra 18-3320 Water Pump Kit for Mercruiser Stern Drive[/h] [h=1]Sierra MerCruiser Alpha Gen 1 R MR Bellows Seal / Repair Kit 30-803097T1 (Greasable)[/h] I’m going to order the bellows tool as well unless you guys don’t think it’s necessary since most of you have been down this road before. Anything else i should have on hand or think about replacing before i pull the drive? Thanks

 

[JASinIL2006]

I’ve heard of too many problems with non-OEM bellows kits to order anything but Mercruiser bellows.

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

A common issue is the boot on the shift cable look it over real close mine has failed twice my bellows and u joints are original. There is a special grease for the splines on the drive shaft I have a buddy who works for a train company the grease used on the rails and wheels at corners has seemed to work the longest. Good time to take care of either when you pull the drive. Mine knocks when cornering at idle when it needs grease. You should remove your trim sensors clean and fill them with dielectric grease as well. K My boat sees a lot of gear changes when fishing in rough fast water though so I probably have a lot more use in those areas.

 

[Scott Danforth]

get an alignment tool, your going to need that too in order to check alignment every year.

 

[EricT22]

Is there a kit with everything from mercruiser? If so do you have the part # or best place to purchase from? And i will add the alignment tool to the list as well

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ebay has best deals on all the tools

 

[Maclin]

You will need an outdrive stand of some kind. I made a rudimentary one, but I cannot use it to separate the halves for impeller service. Since you have that in your list you need to plan ahead on where to hang it for all of what you want to do.

 

[wahlejim]

Something to consider that I didn't know on my first mercruiser, the bellows tool is for the exhaust bellows only. I took on the job, bought the tool, only to realize I had a boot and not bellows for the exhaust. Other than that, the process is pretty straight forward and easy to do with the right tools. I highly recommend a 1/4" ratchet with one of those flexible attachments to get at hard to reach hose clamps.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Is there a kit with everything from mercruiser? If so do you have the part # or best place to purchase from? And i will add the alignment tool to the list as well

Just be sure to look for one of the knockoff alignment bars; you'll pay far less than if you get a genuine Merc model.

 

[EricT22]

Great advice guys thank you. Anyone have a link for a good stand to make? Ill do some research but if anyone has a plan they followed it would be greatly appreciated

 

[lkbum]

if you haven't done so, you should go to youtube and do a search for something Apha Drive Removal or Alpha Bellows replacement. there are some good videos there on what you are planning to do.

 

[lkbum]

if you haven't done so, go to youtube and do a search for Alpha Drive and you'll get a ton of results with videos of what you are planing to do.