Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

[Fishermark]

I recently purchased a 1988 24" Sportcraft Walkaround (242 Offshore). It came with a 5 liter Mercruiser motor and Alpha 1 (first gen) outdrive. It had been sitting up for a year when I purchased it and several things were "frozen up" on it. I freed up the steering cable so that it moves freely, but the outdrive itself is very hard to turn.<br /><br />I removed the stern drive and replaced all the bellows -- driveshaft, exhaust, and gear shift bellows. But it is all I can do to turn the outdrive. I have greased it thru the upper and lower grease fittings, and grease comes out at both the top and bottom, but it is still very stiff. Any suggestions?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

I am not clear what you are having trouble turning.Is it the prop?Drive shaft??Charlie

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

The outdrive itself is stiff - to turn the boat left or right. The gimbel ring bushings. The trim and tilt works smoothly, but the "left and right" turning is very stiff.<br /><br />This afternoon I took the grease fittings out and removed as much grease as I could and then sprayed some penetrating oil inside. I even used my air compressor to "push" the oil into the bushing area. Any additional thoughts?

 

[johnkc]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

is the power steering still hooked up? if so, you won't be able to move the drive very easily.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

The power assist is hooked up now, it wasn't earlier. (The new engine is not installed yet, so I haven't been able to try using the power assist yet). I will try unhooking it and see if it makes a difference now that I have applied some penetrating oil. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[loadnet]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

Oh boy! Oh boy! I can answer THAT one!!<br /><br />but then someone like JohnKC - Charlie - or Bondo Manufacturing - pops in and takes the darn words right outa my mouth.<br /><br />why ain't you guys at work or something?<br />Jeeesh! <br />I think I'll go fix my lawn mower.<br /><br />..and I ain't telling none of ya's what's wrong with the thing, so DON't Bother asking!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

I think the guys nailed it with the power steering not being hooked up.what you can also do is turn the drive all the way to the side that extends the steering pin inside the boat.Wipe it off and turn the steering wheel all the way left and right and stop when the pin is extended again.clean it off again.Keep repeating and start to spray the arm with some pb blaster or penetrating oil.This will make all kinds of crap come out of the sleeve as you retract and extend the pin.Just keep doing this for as long as you can.It will get easier and easier.With 2 people it goes much quicker.Dont use a penetrating oil that dries.I finish with "one lube" by slick 50.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Help with stuck (stiff) Mercruiser Alpha 1

It's working much better now, I believe with use it will free itself up in no time. The bind is definately in the outdrive bushings themselves as opposed to the steering cable. After I get the new engine running I'll let you know how it goes!