Alpha 1 binding

norowing

Cadet
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
22
Hello again Gents,
I was installing an Alpha 1 outdrive after realigning the motor. I was sure that the shift couplers were lined up but may moved upon installation. After reading thru other posts I may have bent the Drive Unit Shift Coupler. I have searched thru my manual and have not found a way to remove that thing. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Mike
 

jtybt

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 5, 2009
Messages
730
Re: Alpha 1 binding

If you bent the lower shift shaft that the 'foot' slips over, that's bad cuz you have to disassemble the lower gear case to line up an new shaft to the shift crank.
 

norowing

Cadet
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
22
Re: Alpha 1 binding

I doubt I bent the shaft being as the "foot" is made of a brass-like material. I am actually trying to remove the "foot". I have tugged and turned it but that little s.o.b. won't come out. I have yet to use a pry bar on it, I have only pulled by hand. Should that thing just slide up off the lower shift shaft? Thanks, Mike
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Alpha 1 binding

i'm having trouble understanding what ya wanna do.
this is a pic of a 1 drive. your alpha1 will look similar.
IMG_1516.jpg


the shift shaft in the bell housing is the has the female coupler.
the shift shaft in the upper has the male end of the coupler.

if i understand you want to remove the shift shaft in the upper?
if so, ya gotta seperate the lower drive from the upper drive. on the bottom of the male end of the coupler, between the upper and lower you'll find a cotter pin. remove that and the shift shaft in the upper will come out. but ya gotta have the upper and lower separated to go get it..

is that what ya needed to know?

edit. ya gotta remove the drive too. ya gotta have the remote in fwd to remove the drive. the pic above is not in fwd. it's in neutral. when you separate this coupler, it slides apart. hence it has to be in fwd. then the shift coupler will be facing fwd, fore and aft, allowing the coupler to slide apart..
 

norowing

Cadet
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
22
Re: Alpha 1 binding

That's the part I need to get out. I am the one in the drive. I have it seperated as when I mate them the shifter binds. The Drive shifts fine out of the bell housing . The shift cable and subsequent parts are free when seperated. Upon install of the drive the whole thing locks up. I am verifying that the couplers are lined up. Thanks, Mike
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Alpha 1 binding

sounds like you do have the drive off. is that true?

sounds like the drive is still complete, the lower and upper have not been separated. is that true?

if both my statements are true, you need to separate the upper from the lower. then you can get the shift shaft out of the upper.

got a mercrueser service manual? they are extremely helpful...
 

norowing

Cadet
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
22
Re: Alpha 1 binding

Yes, I have a manual but I've searched for the procedure to get that thing out to no avail. And I have the out drive off the transom housing.That's just what I wanted, more work but it's no good the way it is. Thanks again, Mike
 

jtybt

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 5, 2009
Messages
730
Re: Alpha 1 binding

The foot is bronze. Bronze alloys are harder than mild steel and probably stronger than the lower shift shaft.

Is the lower(foot) or upper(shoe) shift the one you're trying to remove?

If it's the lower, the SS shaft is probably bent.
 

norowing

Cadet
Joined
Feb 19, 2009
Messages
22
Re: Alpha 1 binding

Just got back from working on the boat. I had the outdrive in reverse. I'm such an idiot. Thanks, for all your help. Mike
 
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