alpha one lower shift shaft

[KJM]

Hi, i'm new to this so sorry in advance if I do something against the rules! anyway I need to replace the oil seal around the shift shaft in my lower unit. I noticed that the shaft itself is rusted pitted. I ordered a new one of these as well. apparently they are now stainless steel but used to be regular steel. my question is can I just pull the old one up and slide the new one down or do the lower unit have to come apart? its an old pre alpha drive (1978 I believe) with a 165 inline engine.

 

[Bt Doctur]

No, you need to unscrew the shift shaft busking first, then VERY CAREFULLY lift the old shaft out and insert the new shaft, then install the new shift shaft bushing

 

[KJM]

Thanks for the quick reply. I kind of thought I could just pull it up but wasn't really sure. It would be a real drag to hear some part rolling around inside there! Hopefully the old shaft isn't stuck in there.

 

[Bt Doctur]

see page 3B-32 in here http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6B3R3.PDF

 

[KJM]

thanks again, i'll update when my parts arrive.