Alpha I Fail?

[pvmtsux]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

As I understand it, outdrives are not interchangable. GEN I with GEN I and GEN II with GEN II. Not sure that a GEN I outdrive will just bolt up to a GEN II assembly. If it can be done at all you may need to make some other modifications.

 

[pvmtsux]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

Ayuh,... You Need the 1.50:1, but an Alpha 1, will NOT bolt up to an Alpha 1, Gen.II....

There ya go...He posted this while I was typing a response.

 

[Starkenwolf]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

So next dumb question - if existing outdrive is proven to be Gen II, and I were to purchase a properly geared Gen I AND Gen I transom assembly....would the existing engine coupler work?

I really hope we can solve the one already in place, as this is getting more and more expensive as we type lol

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

So next dumb question - if existing outdrive is proven to be Gen II, and I were to purchase a properly geared Gen I AND Gen I transom assembly....would the existing engine coupler work?I really hope we can solve the one already in place, as this is getting more and more expensive as we type lol

Yes, but I really don't think ya wanta do that....
It's a step Backwards, 'n the Complete driveline has to be Gutted to do the swap...

Brand New drives can be bought for Under $1500....

 

[Starkenwolf]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

OK - feeling better at least about knowing what I've got. Existing setup is:

Serial number 0L458837 is an Alpha One Gen II standard (right hand rotation prop) drive.
It has a ratio of 2.00:1 which is NOT good for a 5.7L engine.

Transom Assembly Serial 0F094321

Engine 5.7 liter Merc Cruiser LH Serial no. OD646710

Prop is a 1912 17 pitch

All of this gives me the ability to buy the right replacement parts once we get into the drive proper.

I'm held up with work so it looks like I won't be able to get into the thing until Saturday. I've got a guy lined up to help and gonna at least get it apart. So if the gimbal bearing is rusted etc, replacing it and the bellows should solve the issue?

Do you guys know any easy way to handle the shift cable?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

So if the gimbal bearing is rusted etc, replacing it and the bellows should solve the issue?

Do you guys know any easy way to handle the shift cable?

Ayuh,... Until you take it apart, 'n See what's gone, Who Knows....

If there's Any question at All with the shiftcable,...
Replace it...

 

[Starkenwolf]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

Went to buy hinge pin tool and it's an "online only" item. Wen to West Marine, Sundance Marine, Chapman Wholesale, etc...no one has it.

I ordered it - should be here Tuesday. I couldn't even get started.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

Ayuh,... I use an allen key in place of the hinge pin tool... Works perfectly...

 

[Starkenwolf]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

Got it apart with help of a mechanic. Gimbal bearing is fine....I spun the upper drive shaft bearing. Got lube all over the place...in the bellows, all over the u-joints, etc. Not sure, but looks like there's also a little bit of water in the lube (lube is thick) very very few metal slivers on drain magnet. Deciding wether to replace the drive with a used one or to replace this bearing and seal and see how it is pressure-wise.

Could the fact that it's a 5.7 260 hp V8 with a 2.0:1 geared outdrive be the culprit? I mean, is it going to spin the bearing again?

ALSO, may have a bigger problem.....pressure tested the engine....2 plugs were only finger tight (didn't need the wrench), one was broken (but came out)....and 3 of the 8 cylinders have little or no compression.

No water in engine oil.

 

[Starkenwolf]

Re: Alpha I Fail?

OK - got upper drive bearing and seal replaced...worked perfectly. Found out that during the evolution of this USED boat, the outdrive gears have been changed to a 24 24 tooth count 1.65:1 ratio, which makes sense now because the boat was pretty peppy for a 2.0:1.

Took it on the intercoastal to test the drive and got up to 35 knots even with the engine issue.

Decided to get the valve job done now (did bleed off test and believe it to be the valves) and hopefully that will solve all present issues.

Also replacing flappers and belts.