Merc Alpha 1 removal worries

[JBC118]

So this is the end of the second season since I've had my boat. It's an 88 Marlin with the 4.3 Merc and Alpha 1 drive. It's been a great boat, etc..
I have no idea when the last time the drive was off so I decided to pull it and take a look around with the intention of storing it off the boat.
So after winterization, I popped the six nuts off after putting the shifter in forward. Then the fun began. After an extended wrestling match I was able to get the drive about 1.5 inches separated from the housing. It felt like it was hung up near the input shaft as the bottom of the drive seemed to be looser than the top.
So more wrestling ensued until I found the post about blocking the top of the drive with wood. First try with a little hydraulic help the drive popped right out.
The input shaft has some old grease on it. I have no idea when the last time the drive was removed. Is it possible that the input shaft was stuck that tight to either the coupler or gimbal bearing? The gimbal bearing felt really smooth and didn't pop out with the input shaft.
I'm just looking for reassurance that I didn't miss a step and break something...
Fingers crossed, thanks in advance...

 

[alldodge]

Was probably binding because the motor needs to be aligned. Look real close at the coupler to see if the teeth still look square and not like mountain peaks (points).

If the checks out, do alignment

 

[isaacs]

I had a boat that used to do that. It turned out the upper and lower shift shaft were jamming together, acting as if the boat was not in forward gear. A little grease where they slide together solved the problem. If this was your problem, you'll want to make sure you didn't bend anything.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I had a boat that used to do that. It turned out the upper and lower shift shaft were jamming together, acting as if the boat was not in forward gear. A little grease where they slide together solved the problem. If this was your problem, you'll want to make sure you didn't bend anything.

I don't think that can happen when the drive has come out 1 1/2 inches before hanging. At an inch and a half the shift shoe is detached. I think it's more likely the drive shaft hanging in the gimbal or coupler.

Rick

 

[tpenfield]

Agree on the engine alignment . . . I would check the engine mounts to see if they have deteriorated.

 

[JBC118]

ok, thanks for all the input..bummer is I won't have access to the boat until spring. The input shaft splines look good though.
Thanks for the help...
As long as I'm on the topic, does anyone have a good video or link to the manual that instructs how to align the engine?. I'm guessing that the motor mounts can adjust up and down. Just not sure if all four get adjusted or just the aft 2...

 

[tpenfield]

The aft are fixed position . . . you will be aligning via the front mounts.

 

[alldodge]

Look in the Adults Only section, there are threads and links

 

[JBC118]

perfect, thanks..