Alpha 1 Bell Housing

[cowboyskiafan]

Anybody know what tool to use to get the trim sensor bolts off the side of the bell housing on an Alpha 1 sterndrive? I've got the stern off, now I need to get to the bellows for replacement. Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

They are usually 10/32 phillips head stainless screws (unless someone replaced previously) and usually corroded. Soak with PB Blaster for a while and then use an impact screw drive.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

You are talking about the hinge pins right/ Either a Mercruiser "hinge pin tool", or a 1/2 inch allen wrench. They are installed with locktite so you may need to put some heat on them.

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

Thanks a lot!

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/exhaust-bellow-install-618095.html
Based on this thread, which is ongoing today, looking at the pictures that were posted, I don't need to remove the "thing" that the bellows attach to that moves around?
Basically what I'm asking is what do I need to take off to reach and change the bellows? I have the stern drive off.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

Yeah, you need to get off the hinge pins. They are lock tighted on there, so heat them and turn em counter clockwise with either the tool or the 1/2" allen hex drive. Mine took probably 100 foot lbs or more the first time I removed them. It takes a big grunt to turn them. Don't be bashful, but don't strip them either. Make sure your tool engages the pivot-pin-head nice and straight. Use a long armed breaker or ratchet unless you have the big biceps!
Also, don't bother tryin to be careful with the old bellows, just hack it down the middle with a knife or razor blade. I wasted some time saving that the first time I did a bellows. No need of it.

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

Thanks NHGuy. So that hinge pin you are referring to is the bolt at the very top of the stern or bell housing, correct? After that, I should be good to go?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

the hinge pins are on either side of the bellhousing, and the trim senders are covering them. To get to the hinge pins, remove the trim senders.

The bolt on top and bottom can be left alone. Just the two sides come off. Those and the bellows are holding the bellhousing in.

Are you doing a new lower shift cable? It's a great time to replace it as well.

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

Ok. Got it. And the trim sender come soft with the 10/32 Phillips head AllDodge referred to? Thanks

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

I was told the cable was done 3 years ago, I believe.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

Since the shift cable is attached to the bellhousing it's going to prevent it (the bellhousing) from being completely removed off the boat. I don't know how much "slack" your going to have once everything is removed. When I did mine, I cut the old cable and replaced as well.

You will have to disconnect the shift cable from the shift plate on the engine, remove the two (Frankenstein screws), adjust nut and the black slide on the engine side of the cable to expose the "core" wire, so it can pass thru the transom and the bellows. The engine side of the shift cable has to be pulled out of the boat to install the new shift cable bellows.

 

[cowboyskiafan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing

I'm going to give it a shot, but I'm seriously thinking about tapping out.