3.0L with Alpha One drive question

[akoop]

Had the boat out for a nice drive on Sunday, everything seemed fine. Engine temp, oil pressure, etc were normal. While cruising at about 20mph the engine suddenly quit. No sputtering or anything, just a clunk sound and it died. I tried to restart it and it ran for about 10 - 15 seconds and the same thing happened. The next time I tried to start it the engine would barley turn over. After a costly tow back in I got the boat back on the trailer. I once again tried to start it, it started and ran but there was a strange noise comming fro the outdrive area. I got the boat home and double checked all fluids and found that the outdrive lube was low and it smelled burnt. I am thinking I burnt a bearing or U-Joint, what do you think? What should I check for and how?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Al

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

I think it's time to pull the outdrive for a Tear-down,+ Rebuild.....

 

[Trent]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Bondo's right.....However to ease yourself. Pull the outdrive off the boat and put a waterhose into the housing for cooling. Start engine and see if she does ok. If so, Do the outdrive O/H.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

I had the same problem but was lucky enough to get back under my own power at idle. The pinion gear failed in my lower unit......bondo knows the whole story. Did you have a noise when in neutral?<br />Sounds to me like your upper gears may be shot.

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

There is a noise when in neutral, I didn't dare try to put it in gear. It sounds something like a bearing going not any kind of clunking. Since I hear the noise when in neutral I do not think it is a gear (or only a gear), does this sound like a gimble bearing or engine coupler or something to do with the water pump? I drained the outdrive and found a little bit of metal on the magnet. I was expecting to find much more. I have done major engine work on cars and trucks before, but I have never done anything on an outdrive, how difficult is an overhaul? I am heading out at lunch to get myself a good shop manual. If I pull the outdrive what special tools should I have? I expect that I will need to get the alignment tool, but is there anything else?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

It could be the gimbal bearing or engine coupler, I would pull the drive and connect a water hose like Trent says. When you pull the drive you can check the gimbal bearing, I don't think you will be able to see the coupler too well though. With the drive off you should be able to turn the driveshaft by hand (clockwise) in gear or in neutral. Take the top cap off the outdrive to inspect the upper gears.

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Des the gimble bearing or coupler require the engine to be pulled to replace? When in neutral what parts in the outdrive are actually turning? I am used to working with a clutch or torque converter in an auto setup, but in the boat I was wondering if the yoke & U-joints are turning or are the disengaged at the coupler? I noticed on a diagram I found on a web site that there is a shift shaft in the lower unit, does this mean that everything before (above) that is turning even when in neutral?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Yes, basically everything is turning even in neutral except the propeller shaft which is engeged by the clutch dog when put into gear.

 

[Trent]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Here is a good web site that can help you <br /><br /> Mercrusier

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

From what was listed in the above posts I would like to hear what everyone thinks. I am leaning toward just pulling the lower part of the outdrive off since I can run it in neutral. I am thinking it is a clutch or bearing in that section that let go. What do you guys think?

 

[Trent]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Pull the whole drive. Six nuts/bolts and trim rams. You need to check the gimble bearing. You got to pull the drive to check it. You can have the drive off in less than ten min.

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Trent,<br /><br />Thanks for the quick response. Do I need the alignment tool to reinstall the unit? Do you have a rough idea of how much the unit weighs? Is it a one person lift?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

I would pull the entire drive, not just the lower unit. Then remove the top cover and then seperate the 2 halves. After you seperate the 2 halves, remove the water pump housing and try to turn the driveshaft clockwise, you will be able to feel if there is a problem in the lower unit. That's what I did.

 

[Trent]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

No you dont HAVE to have an alignment tool but its good to check if you have it. Id say the drive weighs around 100 pounds. I do it by myself all the time. Lower drive till the skeg is touching the ground and pull it off the boat.

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Thanks for all the responses, I hope to pull the unit this weekend, I will keep everyone posted.<br /><br />I would still like to get you thoughts on what the problem is and when I get it apart i will let everyone know.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

I would still like to get you thoughts on what the problem is

My 1st Guess is the Upper Unit.....<br />Gears, Bearings, The Works............<br />I Think you'll find a tooth Missing on Either the drive grear or the driven gear....<br />As FreeBeeTony has mentioned, Pull the 4 bolts,+ the Top Cap..... <br /> I'm Betting you're going to want to Cry when you do......<br /><br />

gimble bearing or engine coupler or something to do with the water pump?

I Really Doubt It......<br />But I've been Wrong before.... <br /><br />

Des the gimble bearing or coupler require the engine to be pulled to replace?

Coupler, Yes.....<br />Gimbal Bearing, No, That's done from the outdrive side.... <br /><br />Good Luck....

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

Hey Bondo,<br /><br />Thanks for all your input. I plan on pulling this apart over the weekend. I will let you know how I make out. Can you think of anything else I should keep my eye on or any tricks to help make this a simplier task?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

any tricks to help make this a simplier task?

Pull the drive,+ send it to a Merc. Tech who does these Everyday......<br />That's what I do.....<br />The drive is a Very Precise piece of equipment...<br />When rebuilt Right they'll run Forever.....<br />When Bubblegumed together, They'll come Apart in a Hurry.....

 

[akoop]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

I pulled the outdrive off on Sunday and open the top cap. I found what looks like pieces of red plastic or nylon. It is shreaded. The upper gears all look great. I couldn't pull the rest apart since my bearing retainer wrench has not yet shown up, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what this red plastic might be?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 3.0L with Alpha One drive question

The only plastic up there should be the oil seals. Was there any oil up there, should have been up to the vent screw. Did you seperate the 2 halves? If you do and you remove the water pump housing and impeller you should be able to turn the drive shaft by hand.