Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

[sambluckie]

Just finished replacing drive bellows. Was relatively easy. Everything all ready for the easy part. For some reason I can only get the outdrive to where the 6 studs are at the outdrive holes. Made sure the shifting "shoe" on the outdrive(pointing forward) and the shift lever on the housing are lined up. Thinking the splines are not lined up. Tried turning prop shaft CCW. Can't seem to get it to move. Turn it CW and the shoe moves out of alignment and the prop shaft then spins freely in either direction. I must be doing something wrong.

 

[TimeZone]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

Try pulling it back enough to grab the universal and give it a slight turn and push it back in.
-Ron

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

Remember...those splines/grooves are only about 1/8", so if you're "off"...the MOST you can be is a little under 1/8"(assuming they've worn evenly). Just turn that U-joint a hair, and more than likely it will be alligned if indeed that's the issue. Ensure the O-rings are not OVER greased/oiled...that will cause them not to compress enough and bind up also.

 

[abrx7]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

You can also spin the prop as well. Since the drive is in forward, when you spin the prop it will also spin the shaft. Might be a bit easier than pulling the drive out some.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

@abrx...

Tried turning prop shaft CCW. Can't seem to get it to move. Turn it CW and the shoe moves out of alignment and the prop shaft then spins freely in either direction.

I've had the same issue...

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

Have you checked the engine alignment? The other problem could be the orings on the splined shaft, if you uses a lot of grease, it could hold the orings up and make it almost impossible to push the drive on. Clean all grease off the orings (and under them) and just use some engine oil on them. Works a lot better. Of course, if it's out of alignment that won't work either.

PS, if you are up to the mounting studs with the drive, the splines are half way into the coupler.

 

[DaveG55]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

When mine did that it was because the u-joints were sagging down and catching. I used a long screwdriver to kinda nudge the u-joints up and it slid right in. Two people were a definate plus on that install.

 

[sambluckie]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

Got in In!!! I believe it was the U-joints sagging and catching just before the bellows. It took two other people and myself to get it. Ofcourse we had no stand or other support device. Two of us held it up and kept pressure on it while the third guy spun the propeller CCW. It was frustrating, but we got it. Looks like my bellows work is solid.
The drive bellows I put on was an actual Mercury product. I noticed the one that failed that I removed weighed about half as much as the Mercury bellows. It was much thinner and flimsy. Not sure what brand, but I think I will stick with Mercury products from now on.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

There still made out of country like everything else.When you installed the drive did you glue the large rubber ring in first?
Next time use some bricks or 4 x4 pieces of lumber to get the height close, lube the impeller with some soapy water,shift into fwd,
slide in turning prop backwards to align splines, push on.

 

[JerryIrons]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

In the future, before you insert the drive you can turn the U Joint so that it is kind of "horizontal" and the lip doesn't catch as easy. Also some hard "jiggling" putting it in can help. If you can easily turn the prop CCW, then the splines have not gone in yet. Once the splines go in, the prop is a LOT harder to turn, I don't think I can even turn mine. Lastly, if you are 3/4 inch away from being all of the way on, then you have the O-rings causing the hangup. Probably because you greased them, and the grease is not allowing the o-rings to compress. Take the drive back off, take all of the grease off around those 2 o rings only and put oil on where those two o rings are. (there is very little clearance in that gimble bearing) I had all this stuff happen to me as well, it's just a matter of getting more experience. You know, experience = learning things the hard way.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Can't slide Alpha 1 outdrive back on!!

First time I tried this I got frustrated and took the boat and drive to the local mechanic, of course they popped in on in a jiffy, installed the nuts, and charged me $30 labor. They also complimented me for successfully replacing the impeller and re assembling everything.
I've also hear of something called the Mercruiser Mule Kick. Never had to use it, but I've read about it on theses forums many times.