Alpha 1 lower gear case vertical shaft play

[Robbie Davis]

I am taking my drive apart to clean out metal where upper gears went to lunch from water in oil
I am replacing seals and gaskets
I am reistalling everthing back the same, shims and bearings
Should the drive shaft be loose on an Alpha Lower Unit? After putting back the vertical driveshaft on lower drive with same shims, bearing and race I installed pinion gear and nut at 70 ftlbs , and upper bearing lock ring at 100 ftlbs and noticed that the drive shaft moved up and down about 1/16" to 1/8". I know that end play is usually measured in thousandths. If I pull up on it the top bearing rides smoothly in the race and the shaft feels good to turn. When not pulling up on it the top bearing drops away from the race and the shaft feels rough when turning. is this normal. because it seems excessive.
this is my first tear down other than water pump and I want to be sure
I asked for help on how to remove pinion gear on another post and I do remember shaft had end play because I was trying to pull shaft off pinion gear by jerking up on shaft .

thanks rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 lower gear case vertical shaft play

Here's the manual for the Alpha I drive. Go to Section 3A, it will answer your questions.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[Robbie Davis]

Re: Alpha 1 lower gear case vertical shaft play

thanks im reading.
I didnt find the answer im looking for
the end play is in shaft that turns the water pump I notice the bearing doesnt set tight in race.