Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

[Wellcraft233]

I have a 1990 Alpha1. When dropping the lower unit several post mention putting the boat in forward gear before you drop it. My manual does not mention this before you drop it, but does mention it before you re install. So whats the secret. after the outdrive is off is there anything you need to do to make sure it lines back up when re installing. Any tricks of the trade would be welcomed.

 

[Don S]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

If you are removing the complete outdrive, (Not just the lower unit of the outdrive), then you must put it in forward even to remove it so the shift shaft in the drive and in the bellhousing are lined up fore and aft so the drive can come off. If you don't have it in forward the shift shaft will be turned and will not slide out of the shift shoe.<br />Put it in forward for both removal and installation.

 

[Don S]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

Then you don't need to have it in forward to remove just the lower. The only reason it's needed when reinstalling, is so both parts are in the same position.

 

[Wellcraft233]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

No just dropping the lower unit to change impeller. Thanks

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

I agree with Qystan, when you are replacing the impellor, you might move the shaft on the lower. If it is in forward when you remove it, you can just rotate the prop to get the shaft to match back up with the upper. By the way, if you haven't done this all before, it sure helps to have a buddy. While you are raising the lower back into place, you have to make sure the shaft, the water pipe, the shift shaft and the bolt holes all line back up. Besides the above, make real sure that the oil passage seal is in place.

 

[qystan]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

Dropping the lower unit does not need to have it in forward gear. However, I found it useful to have it in forward gear for several reasons.<br /><br />1. It is easier to position the lower intermediate shiftshaft. Straight fore-aft as opposed to a halfway position to the left.<br />2. With the lower unit in gear, using a prop, it allows the drive shaft to be turned to line up to the upper drive.<br /><br />Just a personal preference.

 

[djvan]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

Don't forget to make sure the SS washer is in place on top of the shift shaft, when re installing. It usually stays in place but only takes a sec. to check.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Wellcraft233]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit Alpha1

Thanks for the help; it looks pretty staight forward in the manual, just want double check on the forward gear position.