86-87 alpha outdrive overhaul

[bassboy416]

I posted this before, so forgive me if I sound repetative. I've been doing a lot of internet research and have become very concerned about this issue. I have an 86 or 87 alpha one outdrive. I got it last year and it was making this noise when I bought it. I have taken it out for 6-7 times since I bought it. The outdrive makes a loud vibration that almost sounds like "hooooooooooooonk". Its very loud, you can feel it vibrate the boat, and it goes away when going straight if you trim up slightly. I have become suspicious of the gimbal bearing although the previous owner said it was probably u joints. I have been wanting to take the boat out wakeboarding one more time since I fear that this may be the end of the road for me if it turns into some crazy expensive or difficult repair. I bought the boat cheap, and I do not have 3000 to put into the thing. Is this most likely a bad gimbal? It does take on water as well and the transom housing (the part that contacts the boat) is siliconed around the edges as if it was leaking. My question is this.... Is this most likely a lost cause and something I should just drive until it dies or is there a possibility I can repair myself for 500 or less. I am afraid if it is the gimbal bearing that I may have caused damage to the gimbal housing. I am also unsure about the bellows replacement. I found a "transom repair kit" on ebay for 80 bucks, and I found the special tool for removing and replacing the gimbal and checkign alignment for 250. I have no experience with outdrives but have worked on a lot of projects with great outcomes. Can I take it out one more time? What am I looking at here worst case? Are there any special tools I will need? Also, when removing the outdrive, besides putting it in forward, are there any tips for getting it off if it is stuck hard on?

 

[Bondo]

My question is this.... Is this most likely a lost cause and something I should just drive until it dies or is there a possibility I can repair myself for 500 or less.

Ayuh,.... Ya won't know how bad it is, til ya tear it apart, 'n see what's good, 'n what's junk,....

I can tell ya, it won't run very long, Without repairs,.....

 

[bassboy416]

I called a mobile mechanic who suggested that since its still running there is a good chance that its not too late. He said the bearing may be a pain to get out at this point and cost time. He charges 65 an hour and is willing to come to where the boat is. He quoted between 250 and 550 depending on what he runs into. He added that 550 could be exceeded but we will know much more after the drive is removed. He said 65 as a tentative number for removing drive and that I can watch him work on the unit. Seems like a screaming deal to me. Any opinions on this?

 

[achris]

$65 to remove a drive!!!! Are you kidding me? It's a 3 minute job. (Don't believe me? Watch my video)....

Chris......
Removing Alpha drive

 

[NHGuy]

After you remove the drive check the universal joints. They are probably part of your issue. When going straight ahead with the drive slightly raised they are straight and aren't flexing much. but the Gimbal bearing is always spinning. So if they or the bearing are bad you get sounds when the drive is at the other angles.

 

[Fishermark]

... It does take on water as well and the transom housing (the part that contacts the boat) is siliconed around the edges as if it was leaking....

Whether you have a bad gimbal bearing or bad universal joints may be a moot point. You have far more problems than either of those. The only reason someone silicones the transom assembly is if the seal has failed. The only reason the seal ever fails is if the transom gets soft. The only reason the transom gets soft is because it is rotten.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you need to check the condition of your transom. Drill a couple of small exploratory holes from the inside of the boat near the bottom of the transom. If you have dry sawdust come out, then you are good! If you have a wet mess coming out... well.... that's not good.:blue:

Unless you don't like, or are not able to do mechanical work, then as Chris points out, pulling the drive is easy. Best part? Doesn't cost you anything! :joyous: You should be able to easily tell if the gimbal bearing and / or u-joints are any good or not.