twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

bankermike

Seaman
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
70
I broke the lower unit drive shaft where it is necked down to join the bottom of the upper gear housing drive shaft on my alpha one. The upper part of the shaft is still attached to the lower part of the upper shaft. I can't seem to get it out with out taking apart the upper gear housing assembly. I think I probably need to take the upper apart anyway to inspect in for damage. Is there a way to get the broken section out without disassembly of the upper? I do not have a Bearing Retainer Wrench for removing the retaining ring on the upper. Is there a trick to removing the ring without a wrench?
I also have a good deal of slop in the stearing/gimbal. What do I need to do to tighten this up? What other items should I replace or check while I have the drive removed? This is my first time breaking an outdrive down, so any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

Michael
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two


The cure for steering slop is will depend on the year......
If you have two bolts on the top of your gimbal ring, that would be a good place to start.....;)
As far as the snapped shaft, how much is sticking out?
Enough to grab with vice grips?
If so, I'd try soaking it in Kroil & seeing if I could work it out.....
If not, the drive will need to be disassembled.......
If you don't have the retaining wrench, then you don't have the rest of what it will take for reassembly either.......
Take it in to the shop.......;)
I'm assuming the upper still turns?......:)
 

bankermike

Seaman
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
70
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

the upper turns smoothly as does the lower when the prop is turned.
What other tools do I need to do the job?

Thanks

Michael
 

stevieray

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
1,135
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

Just out of curiosity - what did you do to break that shaft - it's what, a 7/8" dia chunk of SS?
 

bankermike

Seaman
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
70
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

Hit the prop on concrete while under power. I'm very surprised something other than the shaft did'nt break first.
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

I can't imange that sheared without causing other damage. You may want to look at the service manual to see all the special tools and procedures required: http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/srvcovr.pdf After reviewing the service manual for my Alpha genII, I would not attempt to repair any inner gear issues. I'd have the shop give an estimate and compare to a replacement drive. I have seen a number of refurbs posted in the past, whose cost was very intreging. Also, generally good feedback on the forums. Check archives.
 

stevieray

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 18, 2006
Messages
1,135
Re: twisted lower unit drive shaft in two

Can you post a pic of where it's broken & stuck? Seeing that may give us some ideas for you.
 
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