alpha one install

[bigdog8114]

I have a 1985 3.7 mercruiser, alpha one. I am trying to put the outdrive back on after bellows replacement and it goes in up to the last 1/8th inch from the bellhousing. I read somewhere about this and cannot remember what to do. Any help?

 

[achris]

Re: alpha one install

Controls and drive both in forward gear?

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

yes. everything is ok and I just cant get it to go the last 1/8th inch. I have read that it is the o-rings binding up so I removed the drive again and lubed the o-rings but I had ripped the gasket the first time I tried to put it on. I have to get another gasket, I dont think form a gasket or other type of sealer will work? I tried to get the drive on a second time without the gasket just to see but still will not go on the last 1/8th inch. Seems like input shaft is hitting something in the bellhousing. Is that possible? I dont see anything in there.

 

[achris]

Re: alpha one install

Apart from replacing the bellows, what else did you do?

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

That was it, just drive bellows, water hose, exhaust and shift cable bellows. The shift cable is only a few years old so I didnt replace it.

 

[achris]

Re: alpha one install

I was thinking more about the gimbal bearing. If it hadn't been seated properly it can hang up the yoke. Was the drive easy to pull off? I would give the gimbal bearing a bit of a tap with a drift and make sure it is seated all the way in.... Check that the big rubber ring is glued into the right place, and that the water passage o-ring hasn't slipped (I grease them to hold them in....

Have a look at my video (it's only 6 minutes), you may see something.... -> Installing drive: http://youtu.be/aGVrY4cWiDA

Chris.......

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

Awesome video. Finally someone did a video for innstallation. i did everything the same as you except for the last 1/8th inch going in. I didnt use the calibrated merkick tool but I will try that when I get home from work if it isnt raining. One more question, What is the best way to get the trim rams to go back in? Mine have worked their way all the way out over the winter. I havent messed with them yet but I have to soon.

Thanks for all your help
Ed

 

[airshot]

Re: alpha one install

Did you use an alignment tool to check alignment? The big fat square oring needs to go inside, not on the taper of the outdrive (easier this way). If you are really only 1/8 away, sounds like the big oring or other gasket is holding you up. As far as the rams go, I just push them back in, takes some omph but they will go back in, at least mine did. I usually tie them in an upright position over the winter so they do not extend over that period.

Airshot

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

I just remembered when I took the rams off, I think the drive was in trailer because of where it was sitting. Alignment is ok. I do have the oring inside the housing. If I remember correctly I had to pick up and drop the outdrive to free it when I took it off. If I give it a kick it should go back on. Its raining today but if it stops tonite I will go out and try again. I'll let you know how I make out.

Ed

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: alpha one install

Sounds like the 2nd of the two rubber "O" rings on the driveshaft(which seals it to the inside of the gimbal bearing) is being a little stubborn.

Giving it a good so-called "Mer-kick" should do it.

Mine was at the same point...and all I did was to tighten two of the six nuts holding the drive to the bellhousing(the two "middle"). The drive snugged right up to the gasket, no size 11 required.

Too much grease/oil on those "O" rings will cause them to not have the ability to compress enough.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: alpha one install

The big fat square oring

Lol!!
I know what you mean...just sounds a little oxymoronic!

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

I was going to try that with the two bolts but i was afraid of jamming something. sounds like it should work. If it wasn't for this rain I would be done already instead of talking about it. LOL

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: alpha one install

Obviously if the nuts start to really tighten up prior to any inward movement, then there's another issue.

 

[achris]

Re: alpha one install

The big fat square oring

Lol!! I know what you mean...just sounds a little oxymoronic!

So you're saying it should be called a 'square ring'...

 

[bigdog8114]

Re: alpha one install

I went out today and the drive is on. I had to use the nuts to pull it on. Went on real easy. Got the cables adjusted, life is good. Thanks everyone for the tips and the help.

Ed