Alpha 1 not happy! Help

[wishihad]

Here's what happened : 4.3 lx alpha 1
We were driving up river, running at about 4k rpms. All was good. Then the rpms dropped about 200, and the temp went through the roof, from 160 to 200 instantly. I shut the boat down, let it sit for a minute. It started right up, but died when I tried to put it in gear. It started again, and if I jammed the drive selector forward, it didn?t die, but did not engage the prop. Also, temp stayed high. After I was towed back to the house, I tried to flush the engine with the ears, but it went quickly to 200, not dropping like when the thermostat opens. Don?t know if it is the thermostat again, or no water to engine! I didn?t see any coming out of the exhaust, but I didn?t run it very long.
Any idea what might have let loose or where to look wouold be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 not happy! Help

Spun engine coupler (check back of coupler for metal shavings) or the upper gears have the teeth gone (pull top cap)
Either problem will not turn the raw water pump when the engine is running.

What YEAR?

 

[wishihad]

Re: Alpha 1 not happy! Help

92.
Which method is easier?
thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 not happy! Help

Which method is easier?

Well lets see, there is 4 bolts holding the top cap on the drive where the gears are and if it's ok, you will need a new oring, or you stick you head behind the engine and LOOK at the coupler. Which do you think is easier.
Besides, you may have to do both. They aren't checking the same thing.

 

[wishihad]

Re: Alpha 1 not happy! Help

There are some metal shavings behind the motor. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 not happy! Help

Start it up and see if the shaft going into the drive is turning. If not, then the coupler needs replaced. But you still need to pull the drive look at the splines and do further checks, and also check the gear lube.