Alpha one drive case scarring.

[neilmw]

Already had lots of advice from the forum which has been very helpful, so thankyou very much.<br />I am having problems finding someone local to look at my drive, the only person is on holiday or vacation to you guys across the pond! and wont be back for a couple of weeks, so I thought I would have alook myself........situation is, I have a sea ray 87' 165hp/4cyl mercruiser with a alpha one (gen1)leg, It would seem that the two drive gears in the top of the unit are mashed along with the top bearing, i have a manual so thought I would have a go at taking it off replacing the upper drive gear and bearing,what I would like to know is how do i check to see if there is any further damage to the lower unit by why of metal debris etc, is it possible to flush through and how? All help and advice is very much appreciated.

 

[djvan]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

I am no boat mechanic but I would think that at very least the lower should be disassembled and inspected, thoroughly cleaned and flushed,resealed and put back together. <br /><br />I AM NO PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC THOUGH.<br /><br />HTH's<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

The metal must be removed. A thorough cleaning is in order. It doesnt hurt to inspect the rest of the drive.

 

[MooseHootie]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

I would tear it all the way down. Its not worth the trouble to do it again because you missed something.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Thanks, what is the best way to flush through, and would you seperate the lower unit first and inspect before removing upper unit from transom?

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

anyone?

 

[djvan]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

If you don't have a hoist separate the lower from the upper as it will be easier to handle. The upper must then be removed from the transom. <br /><br />While removing the outdrive can be done with general hand tools, you will need some special tools to complete this job, keep in mind that a mechanic usually will charge more for a "basket case" if you can't reassemble it.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

It must be disassembled and cleaned.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Thanks for the info, I have now managed to remove the drive off the transom and seperate the lower unit with no problems, still trying to find someone less than 60 miles away to do it for me but to no avail, still not sure weather to give it a go or not? <br />when i withdrew the upper unit from the transom i noticed there was oil in the bellows inside the transom unit, is this normal?

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

No. The drive needs resealing.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Which parts would have to be renewed to reseal the drive?

 

[qystan]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

There is a seal behind the retainer (the castle like nut ring) that holds the yoke and bearings in. Seal keeps oil in drive.<br /><br />You need to check the yoke contact surface that rides on the seal, if rusted or rough the yoke needs to be changed, else new seal will go in no time. O-ring 25-70937, Oil seal 26-823894<br /><br />Since you've got mashed gears, all the bearings will need to be changed. Also replace the output shaft oil seal. Top cover O-ring 25-32546, output shaft O-ring 25-55801, Oil seal 26-96503 1, Oil seal 26-32511.<br /><br />Note the shimming procedure for the input and output gears requires a separate special tools each - dumb design, should be one tool for both gears.<br /><br />Its not difficult. Note also the retainer torque is 200ft-lb.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

His upper gears are trashed, thats probably why the seal is leaking. It will be replced as part of the repair anyway. I suggest resealing the lower too.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Wow thats great, thanks for the info. Are all these parts included in the gear repair kits you can buy?<br />I have noticed there is no letter stamped on the end of the prop shaft, thought it should have one?

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

I have now noticed that there is some deep scarring to the inside of the gearcase where the broken teeth have embeded, is this still repairable or should I get a recon, can anyone suggest a site that offers recon units as I know it will be cheaper for me to get one shipped over.

 

[neilmw]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Anyone?

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

You're getting ahead of yourself. A little damage to the case is probably ok. www.seilermarine.com sells recons.

 

[qystan]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Unless we are talking extremely deep gouges, I don't think the housing needs to be replaced. What you might want to do is to sand down the sharp edges and smooth out the gouge mark to eliminate the stress point a sharp edge can create.<br /><br />On whether the seals are in the repair kit, I don't know, the parts list does not show the sub-parts. I ordered my bits separately to be sure I am getting all the required parts as over here there is no returning of unused parts. Maybe someone here can chip in on this.<br /><br />One request, could you post details on disassembly/assembly the lower unit, especially the tools, bearing extraction and shimming. I am about to disassemble my lower unit to do an inspection of the bearings and seal renewal. Don't believe in waiting for metal chips, water or noises before taking a look.

 

[Wart T]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

Why don't you buy a manual Qystan?

 

[qystan]

Re: Alpha one drive case scarring.

I have the manuals, Merc and the Seloc. <br /><br />I am wary of shimming procedures, the idea of having to install and remove the bearings to determine the correct shim size does not appeal. Improper shimming, say goodbye to the gears and bearings.<br /><br />If you read the procedure for the forward gear freeplay check. Sound like a real trial and error.<br /><br />I am not looking for "what to look out for". The retainer ring will be an adventure in its own.