Alpha I gen II shift shafts

[Strecker25]

Hi everyone, in the fall I pulled our drives and on the port side (CR) I screwed up on reinstall and the drive popped out of reverse while I was installing it. I gave it a bump with the heel without checking for shift shaft alignment and later realized my mistake. I removed the drive, lined up the shafts, and got the drive back on just fine.

Can I verify I didn't bend the shafts before we splash this spring? If I shift into both forward and reverse and manually rotate the prop it appears engaged and ratchets properly, but of course that is with the engine not running . It's a 290 sundancer, so I'd be in for a haul out if it's screwed up. I can also pull the drive again if a visual check would be better, not sure if it would be obvious once it's on the bench.

 

[Bt Doctur]

being a GEN II that uses a plastic shift shaft cover, I would atleast pressure test the units for leakage.

 

[Strecker25]

Alright, I'll pull the drive today and get her home (it's actually above 40 today)

My inclination is to replace any parts that may have been damaged, as most of them appear to be pretty cheap. I just don't want to disassemble any of the housings, I'm all about DIY but that is beyond me.

If it does pressure test OK, any other checks I should do?

 

[Strecker25]

Just as a follow up. The drive holds 10 PSI for 12+ hours no problem. The shift shaft appears straight and I can shift it by hand with no issues. The shift shaft with the shoe in the gimbal housing also points straight forward when in reverse. (CR drive) so I think we're ok.

Thanks for your help

 

[Strecker25]

Didn't want to start a new thread for a somewhat related question....

My stbd drive did an odd thing after reassembling the halves. It was leaking pressure when I first pumped the air in and appeared to be from upper drive shaft seal.I flipped the drive upside down so I could better see and spray some soapy water on the driveshaft input. Was definitely leaking there, but as I pressurized it the second time to about 12PSI the seal seemed to seat and the drive now holds pressure.

It's been at 10psi for 4 hours so far. Any reason for concern or is it possible the seal was just a little off?

 

[Rick Stephens]

I heard some of the old hands state you should pressurize at 6 pounds as well for just that reason. Also, put the outdrive in gear and rotate the shafts. Needs to hold air while turning.

RIck

 

[Strecker25]

I see, maybe I went a bit overboard then. I did remove all the the pressure, and repressurize to 10psi again. I rotated all the shafts, no issues.