94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

[Bry21317]

I just went to put my Lower unit back on after redoing the Water pump. I have gotten it all ligned up and up in the upper unit. I put 2 bolts on so far, and have my throttle in Forward gear, which is what I had it in when I took the lower off. (Per Manual)

When I twist the prop shaft clockwise while looking at the prop, it makes a clicking/popping noise. Looking up on the back of the lower, it looks like the shift mechanism is popping up, and then back down.

I do not have oil in the drive yet, I have not filled this yet. I also did put some soapy water in on the Impeller, before twisting it by hand. So that I would not mess this up right off the bat.

Any ideas, or should it be good to go? I am just being paranoid and want to make sure that everything is perfect.

Bryan

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

sounds normal. ratcheting clockwise, locked counterclockwise (fwd)
" counterclockwise, locked clockwise (rev)

 

[Bry21317]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

So this is normal? All of the props that I have have the blades that are turned Clockwise. It seems to me that clockwise would be Fwd? Is this not true? Or am I thinking wrong on this.

It looks like the prop would turn clockwise to push the boat forwards and when in reverse it would turn counterclockwise.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[Don S]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

the prop does turn clickwise, that is why you have to turn it counterclockwise to hold it in gear. The resistance to the prop turning clockwise (the water that isn't moving) is what holds the dog clutch engaged so well.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

Thank you Guys. I will finish putting it on now, nad not worry about it. I was just being over paranoid as I have never put it in gear and tried to turn the shaft, by hand. Until I needed to get it back up into the upper unit.

I will finish putting all the nuts and bolts back on tonight to hold it up, instead of just the 4 that I have on now loosely on there. I just wanted to make sure it was right before I went and tightened it all up and refilled the oil.

I will let you know how it does.

Bryan

 

[rad1026]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

I've heard people say you should pressure test the outdrive before filling with oil. the first time I did my impeller I pumped air in to the outdrive to about 15 lbs. and let it sit for about 20 minutes. No pressure drop, so I filled with oil and felt good about it. This time I did not do that. Has anyone done this before?

 

[firehog6305]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

nope never done it, but to tell you the truth I never even heard ahout doing that, what a great idea, I'm sure Don has done it before, what ya say Don?? sounds like a great way to test it before dropping it in the water, ever
try it???

 

[sarantis]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

since the last season's oil was a little milky i carried out the test at 1.5 bar (about 23 psi)and for more than an hour i had no pressure drop.Either the only thing i couldn't check ,the drain screw,wasn't well tightened or this test isn't secure as the moving parts of the outdrive are resting or a slight water intrusion is normal if the boat stays in the water for some months.What do you think experts?

 

[firehog6305]

Re: 94 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Lower Unit question

well I know that there shouldnt be any water getting into your oil, doesnt matter how long the boat sits in the water, I keep my cruiser in the water 24/7, and if theres water in the oil, theres a problem