Mercruiser Alpha 1 Driveshaft Retainer Removal

[sweet41k]

I am trying to remove the driveshaft retainer on the back of the upper gear housing. It is VERY tightand I haven't been able to get it loose. My drive is a Alpha 1 Gen1 I think, but I'm not sure. It has a ser# OH708992 but it's a 1987 Mercruiser 175hp 4.3L. I assume it is right hand thread and it should turn counterclock-wise to get it loose. I have tried a large blunt punch while applying turning pressure with a bar. My plan was to replace the seal behind the retainer. My bellows got torn and filled the drive unit with water. Luckily I didn't operate it vey long this way, but it did ruin the gimbal bearing. Any ideas?

 

[futz]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha 1 Driveshaft Retainer Removal

manual will tell you if you had one, that if you can't get it off, you drill it off, stay away from the threads.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha 1 Driveshaft Retainer Removal

there is a special tool from mercruiser that is used to loosen the retainer

you may be able to get it loose with a strap wrench though

the retainer is torqued to 200 lb/ft so yeah, its tight

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha 1 Driveshaft Retainer Removal

You need the proper tool. Don't even try a strap wrench, If you break the tabs off the retainer, the big rubber ring will not stay in place to keep water out of the bellows.
You will probably need the input shaft seal and most likely a yoke if it's rusty, as the sealing surface will be damaged.
If you try to cheap out, it will cost you more in the long run.

 

[sweet41k]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha 1 Driveshaft Retainer Removal

I just got it off without any damage at all. I was able to use a 3 foot pry bar that has a square shaft. It fits right through the ujoint yoke and into 2 of the slots. A couple of big tuggs and it came loose. Now I found bad bearings as well as the seal. Oh well, it never ends.