Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

[G1K]

First things first:
OD serial: OD732853
Engine: OD721342
Transom: OD694893

I removed the lower unit for winter storage and service. I noticed grease in the drive shaft bellows. I have searched on this, and found that it's not supposed to be there. There appears to be no water in mixed with the oil, or in the bellows (see attached pics). Based on my searches, I have ruled out a rip in the bellows (but I am replacing anyway). I may have a bad yoke seal?

The OD is currently on the stand in the basement. I was planning on draining the oil, replacing the impeller, and refilling.

I think the proper thing to do now is to do a pressure test and vacuum test to see if the seal is bad, after draining the oil. I can rig up a hose, gauge and pump. Is the correct procedure to use the lower oil fill port to pressurize? It should hold about 15psi for 24 hours? I confess, I have not gotten that far in the OEM Manual yet...

I've posted up some pics of the bellows, and the drive shaft. Did I miss anything? Is there some other obvious cause? The grease/oil on the shaft is thick. The shaft has been hanging like that for a while, no grease has dripped off. Also there a pic of some grease from the bellows that I wiped onto a piece of paper.

There does not appear to be any rust on the drive shaft or u-joints.


Ryan

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

You have oil in the bellow, that means either the seal is bad, or the yoke surface where the seal rides is bad (or both).
Even if it passes a pressure check, it's obvious it leaks at some point, why not take it apart and find out why.

Here's a link to the OEM service manual.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

 

[G1K]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

Don,
I plan on disassembling to look at the yoke, but I guess you're right. I already know by the presence of the oil that there is a leak, so I guess the pressure test would only confirm (or possibly confuse) the leak.

Thanks for the link to the manual. Fortunatly I have saved all the PDF's and printed out the ones I thought I would need, but I had misplaced that link.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's simply the seal that's bad and not a large groove worn into the yoke. At least it's winter and I can be otherwise playing around on the lake.


Ryan

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

The yoke ain't all that expensive if it needs to be replaced.....​

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's simply the seal that's bad and not a large groove worn into the yoke. At least it's winter and I can be otherwise playing around on the lake.

it ain't gonna be a big deal even if the yokes wore.... your gonna be there where it's replaceable. just more $. i think i paid about $90 for an oem one for my ole 1 drive here recently.... be happy yer oil ain't mixed with water.... then ya'd get yer wallet out..... anyways, myself. i'd confirm the leak because i've never seen a leak and i'd want to see findin it with some soap or something... who knows. maybe ya can hear the leak.... don't forget to get yer specialty tools yer gonna need to do the deed.... the one i wouldn't have would be the dail indicator type inch pound torque wrench.... they look pretty pricey........

 

[G1K]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

I hope this isn't going to be too stupid of a question, but what tool or socket is need to remove the four screws holding the top cover on? I originally thought female torx, but this has too many splines on it.


The manual (link that DonS posted) says to remove them, but doesn't point out a special tool needed, unless I missed it. 12 point socket?

Ryan

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

a 12 pt 3/8'' i think.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

ziggies got it, just a 12 point socket.

 

[G1K]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

Thanks guys.


Ryan

 

[ziggy]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 service question

ziggies got it, just a 12 point socket.

only remembered cause that was the only socket missin off the rail.... seached high and low to no avail... had to buy me a new one.......