Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

boaterntexas

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 4, 2003
Messages
254
Well today while runnign my motor in the yard on muffs, I gave it a little throttle, (out of gear of course) and started to her a really load klanking noise. I climb to the back of the boat and checked it out, found that it was commign from my upper gearcase on my 1990 era alpha 1 outdrive. I then trimmed down some, and the klanking did not reoccure. any idea what this might had been, could I have caused some really bad damage? I'm guessing that you are not suppose to run the motor while the outdrive is trimmed all the way up??
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

First of all your correct.....Never run the outdrive above idle when the drive is up!!!!!! Never run more than 1500 RPM's when on the "Hose" You did not say what year but some (later models) dont have greaseable u-joints. Grease your gimble bearing and u-joints if you can. Also grease propshaft and input shaft every year! Get you a manual....OEM manual! The other's suck.
 

PT

Seaman
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
72
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

I belive you are correct, even though you did not have it in gear the drive shaft is still turning.Trim all the way up & those U Joints are under alot of stress. Motor running = drive shaft turning.Even if not in gear..
 

boaterntexas

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 4, 2003
Messages
254
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

oh sorry it a 1990 model motor so I assume the outdrive is as well..<br /> So you guys think I coudl have damaged something? I didn't let it run liek that anymore that 5 sec for about a total of 7 sec. any way I can test it while on land. before I carry it to the lake this weekend and get friend in the boat only to find out that it wont go??<br /><br />So now I know what the red lines on my trim, guage means.. :) <br /><br />Thanks,<br /> again Thomas
 

PT

Seaman
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
72
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

Your ok just trim her down & have fun & be safe, busy weekend ahead.
 

hondon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
1,922
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

Yes you couldl done some nasty damage but whats done is done .Tilt the unit DOWN, hook it up to the muffs and fire it off .If you still hear that grinding ,throbbing,awful sound ,then this weekend is out.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,267
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

I Doubt you did Much Damage... BUT, Don't Do It Again..!!!!<br />Go Boating,+ Have some Fun....
 

anesthes

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 5, 2003
Messages
186
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

The driveshaft was not under load, so even if it was under a little bind it shouldn't have done anything. <br /><br />The fact that the trim doesn't stop in a "safe area" is retarded. There should be stopper tabs up and down, that stop it physically and cut off the power to the electric trim, NOT a stupid gauge.<br /><br />-- Joe
 

boaterntexas

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 4, 2003
Messages
254
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

Awesome guys, I really just love this site, always so helpful. Have a great weekend see you on Lake Degray?
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

Ok iv been around the block a time or two! I give up! What's a stopper tab? You talking trim limit switch? Their are times you need to run a I/O with the drive up. I do it all the time, Just know not to rev it up.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,267
Re: Don't tell me I ruined my alpha 1 gearcase>..

Trim Does Stop in a Safe Area....<br />Tilt Goes All the Way.....
 
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