alpha 1 lower unit

[bummy80]

I seem to have a problem, i am trying to remove my lower gearcase with all the bolts out and i can't seem to get it to move. Thinking this would be a easy prodject to replace my water pump because of a overheating problem. I have the 3 nuts removed in the rear and the allen bolt under the trim tab and also 2 nut underneath. I am trying not to force it too much ,because i do not want to break it.

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

Might try removing the nut on the front too.

http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

1 front nut, 2 side nuts that cannot be removed untill the drive drops down a bit, 2 nuts under the caviitation plate, allen head under the zinc.

 

[bummy80]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

I have removed all the bolts and nuts except the two that wont come out untill it is removed, but they are loose. I believe this is the first it ever was apart since it was new. Could it be corroded that bad it is still tight?

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

Well, corrosion could be a problem, but I really don't see an impeller lasting over 16 years. Since you never said anything about how old or what year your drive is, 16 is the MINIMUM age ........ unless it's a rebuilt drive, then who knows.
Do you boat in salt water?

 

[bummy80]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

Well, corrosion could be a problem, but I really don't see an impeller lasting over 16 years. Since you never said anything about how old or what year your drive is, 16 is the MINIMUM age ........ unless it's a rebuilt drive, then who knows.
Do you boat in salt water?[/quote

I really don't know the history of the boat, my father in law gave it to me but i think it has seen salt water. The drive is a 1986 and it has been stored for the last 10 years. I could get the rear of the lower to move down a hair but it still seemed like there was a bolt in it. On a picture i seen there is a dowel in the rear were it is tight. I am a heavy equiptment mechanic and this really has me stumped.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

drop a contact number here
EJDSR251@aol.com

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

drop a contact number here
EJDSR251@aol.com

This is a forum, and personal emails on how to fix something just seems to go against the grain of what a forum is all about.
Is there some reason you can't just post "Your Fix" or is it some secret you can only tell a few lucky people?

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

bummy
yes, there is a dowel in the back, and it will stick. Try a thin putty knife in the joint in the back of the drive to get it started. Don't try a big screwdriver, they will cause more damage than help. Corrosion around the SS studs going thru the lower unit may also be a corrosion problem after that many dry years. Especially if it seen salt water.
Lots of heat may be necessary.

 

[bummy80]

Re: alpha 1 lower unit

bummy
yes, there is a dowel in the back, and it will stick. Try a thin putty knife in the joint in the back of the drive to get it started. Don't try a big screwdriver, they will cause more damage than help. Corrosion around the SS studs going thru the lower unit may also be a corrosion problem after that many dry years. Especially if it seen salt water.
Lots of heat may be necessary.

Just wanted to let you all know, i finally got it off. It took a lot of heat and penetrating oil and a stiff putty knife and arter 45 minutes it fell off. The problem was corrosion around the 2 rear stainless bolts. I have never seen stainless bolt corrode so bad. Thanks for all the replys, now i have to find a whole pump unit because mine is in bad shape.8)