Outdrive Rebuild

[FreeBeeTony]

Just got back from the mechanic. He said the lower unit was blown (probably the pinion gear).<br />He also said the upper wasn't in very good shape either, said the gears were pitted. The gears seemed fine to me , although I did see the pitting. Does this pitting mean the gears are shot? He also said the gears weren't timed correctly. He showed me the timing marks that were not lined up. Why would this make a difference? I don't understand the timing issue. He quoted me $1500 for a rebuilt drive. I am wondering if I should give it a shot and try to repair the lower half myself. Any thoughts here?<br />The drive is a pre-alpha 1.65:1.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Outdrive Rebuild

I just disassembled the lower unit. It seems very simple. Does anyone have any experience rebuilding these lower units? I am contemplating rebuilding it my self with parts purchased online. The rebuild kit consists of new gears, carrier and bearings for about $350.00. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[djvan]

Re: Outdrive Rebuild

I just went through this. Sounds pretty cheap for parts. From what I found out you need several special tools. If your upper gears are pitted I wouldn't take a chance. If your ratio is 1:65 (I think) your gears are supposed to be timed. They are (I believe) the same number of teeth on drive and driven gears. I don't know how important the alignment of the marks is. As far as the seals I think a somewhat mechanically inclined person could reseal the lower. I did my upper and had to make one special tool. While everything is apart don't forget the gimble and u-joints. Do you have a manual? HTH's<br /><br />DougV>

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Outdrive Rebuild

The $350.00 is only for the lower half. The only seal I saw in the lower was the one on the carrier (and this comes in the kit). The only special tool that was needed was a gear puller to remove the carrier. I just extended it with wire, worked great. I am thinking of doing the lower now and the upper over the winter. Any thoughts on the after market gears?

 

[denniz]

Re: Outdrive Rebuild

All merc alpha lowers are 1.65 to 1.....You cant check shimming or gear backlash with out the special tools.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Outdrive Rebuild

The 1.65:1 I was referring to was for the entire drive. I understand that the upper gears on a 1.65:1 drive are matched (same number of teeth).