Alpha one gen 2 bumped out of gear but stuck in gear?

[woodguy81]

So i was cruising across the lake today at high speed and my drive sounded and felt like it shifted out of gear and back into gear suddenly while cruising. I immediately put it in neutral but the engine stalled. Cant turn like the drive is stuck in gear. I noticed recently that the drive would sometimes double bump into gear when starting out. also recently replaced the drive input seal in the top end but I dont think this would be related. Any thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Check the outdrive oil from the drain, 'n look for metal,.....

 

[woodguy81]

yeah the upper unit was destroyed. the gears are missing teeth. Maybe it wasnt put back together correctly when I replaced the seal. The lower unit appears good. I did not disassemble it though. I took this boat 22 miles offshore the weekend after I put it back together with no issues. It blew up on a cold start 2 miles in on a lake back home. At least I had a trolling motor to get back to the dock.

 

[Bondo]

The lower unit appears good.

Ayuh,...... Gravity put the ground metal, into the lower unit,......

 

[woodguy81]

Yeah I believe that. What’s the best way to clean it out?

 

[havoc_squad]

You don't disassemble and clean, you buy a new complete outdrive package from SEI and move on or a used one with warranty that is actually worth anything.

Better off paying for new, unless you work on the outdrives often, getting used can be a very biiterly tasting box of mixed chocolates.

Unless you have the special tools and expertise to disassemble and re-assemble correctly, not worth messing with because ALL of that metal has to be removed via complete teardown.

If any major metal chunks get in the bearings, seals, or block oil flow, you can quickly destroy another upper and lower.

 

[woodguy81]

I did end up getting a new sei unit. I run this boat pretty far offshore. Not worth the risk of more problems. I had to rebuild most of the motor in the spring and now it’s got a new drive. Only bought this boat in October so I think I’m running out of things the previous owner neglected.