Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

[iowa_guy_45]

I am going to be changing the outdrive on my 1986 Alpha One Gen 1 with a new aftermarket unit. I have had no real trouble with shifting to forward or reverse with the unit I am replacing. What I am wondering is how far would you consider normal to move the throttle forward before it shifts into forward gear? Currently mine will go into gear smoothly at about 1/3rd throttle maybe a little less for reverse. I have read about replacing the lower shift cable and making the adjustments but just HOW hard is this to do? Should I just replace the cable and be done with it? Any suggestions with replacing the outdrive or the shift cable to make it an easy transition?.......Thanks in Advance

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

What I am wondering is how far would you consider normal to move the throttle forward before it shifts into forward gear?

That's a bit relative and hard to describe. It should go into gear before it starts revving the engine.

I have had no real trouble with shifting to forward or reverse with the unit I am replacing.

Then why the change?

I have read about replacing the lower shift cable and making the adjustments but just HOW hard is this to do? Should I just replace the cable and be done with it?

Again, "how hard" is a relative question... but having said that, it isn't too hard to do. Especially since you are removing (replacing) the outdrive anyway.

And yes, for the small expense, if there is any question about the cable, go ahead and replace it as an assembly now. The OEM part is said to be much better than the aftermarket cables and doesn't cost much more if any.

While you're at it, be sure to check the condition of the drive bellows and gimbal bearing. Both are "relatively" easy to check and replace now rather than later.

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

Sounds to me you're drive is acting ok??? As long as it shifts into gear ok before the motor starts reving you should be fine. Like was said if you are in there it'd be a great idea to replace all of your bellows and inspect your gimble too.

Hope this helps,
Doogie

 

[JustJason]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

if your going through the trouble of replacing the drive then by all means put a new lower cable in it.... the question is... why wouldn't you?
If you have to convert your bellhousing make sure you get the right tap through mercury, and do yourself another favor and get a merc cable, not aftermarket.

far would you consider normal to move the throttle forward before it shifts into forward gear?

Instead of trying to think of the shifter of having 12 oclock, 10oclock etc etc "positions" and guessing what position is normal.

If the shifter goes into gear smoothly, if it works in the way that it goes into gear BEFORE it starts to throttle up, and more inportantly if it comes out of gear easily, and the shift interupt switch is working. Then that is normal. anything else is not normal.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

you guys are quick!!

1 more thing, make sure you get an alignment bar and check the alignment before you put in that new drive.

 

[iowa_guy_45]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

Thanks for the help I was going to get a aftermarket cable but will get the Merc cable, where would I get the alignment tool, I would doubt that the dealer would let me borrow one. The bellows and gimble bearing, I will take a good look at it. Convert my bell housing? Could you please explain why I would have to do that. Thanks Again

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

Why are you changing it? Working good, shifting good? What you have 2-3 grand you want to throw away?

Good luck and welcome aboard1

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

You can get an alignment tool off Ebay for about $50.

You still haven't answered why you are replacing the drive...

 

[iowa_guy_45]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

I am replacing the drive because the drive shaft housing has a crack in it, and the lower drive has had the skag broke off it for several years. I have found an aftermarket unit for $1300 (new) 3 year warranty includes shipping and installation kit. Sounded better then taking the risk of a used one.

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

OH ok...that makes more sense. In that case if I were you I'd replace everything while I had the drive off. But of course that's just me, I hate having problems with my boat in the middle of the season...that's why I traded my 89 off for an 08

Best of luck,
Doogie

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

I like larson good boat. Best of luck with it, use it in good health.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

The "converting" that was referred to is due to the fact that Mercruiser changed the way the shift cable is installed. Instead of threading in from the forward side of the bellhousing, it is now threaded from the aft side. You need a special tap to do it right - a straight tap instead of a tapered or pipe tap. It is hard to find - I ended up using an online tool company and ordered the right tap. It is far cheaper than buying the "official" tool from Mercruiser.

 

[iowa_guy_45]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

Ok I was aware of the new style shift cable, but tapping the threads being necessary, good to know Thanks. I was thinking about the alignment tool, figured I would just disassemble the U Joint on the drive shaft of the old unit and use it to check the alignment.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

I was thinking about the alignment tool, figured I would just disassemble the U Joint on the drive shaft of the old unit and use it to check the alignment.

Won't work.

If you plan on doing work yourself, go ahead and buy the alignment tool. You will need to check the alignment from time to time and may as well have the right tool.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

^^^^ What he said.

The spline shaft won't work. You can fit the shaft in there, even if the engine is well out of alignment.

Just do yourself a favor and buy the tool now. It's going to end up costing you a lot more in the long run if you try to take shortcuts. The cost of having the engine aligned by a shop 1 time, will be about twice what it will cost to just buy the tool.

The cost of replacing the coupler/input shaft from failure to properly align it, would buy you just about every specialty tool available for your drive...

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_Boat-P...ercruiserQ20alignmentQ20toolQQ_fxdZ1QQ_ptasZ1

 

[iowa_guy_45]

Re: Replacing Alpha One OutDrive

Live and Learn thanks again guys