Alpha one oil fill options

[hmedic]

Okay I have an 87 Four Winns with a Mercruiser Alpha One outdrive just changed my impeller and oil I have no special pump that you guys all refer to for the oil nor did my Mercruiser dealer sell me one kind of aggravating so what I have done is pull the cap off of the top of the outdrive right above where the oil level fill his or air vent. I can feel and see the whole for where the oil level is supposed to come up to. So I have opened the bottom and poured oil on to the top of the bearings thus down through the out drive to where it is now dripping out of the bottom of the outdrive. I understand it should hold about a quart will this system work? Doing things this way can I effectively assume after a few minutes of letting this dream through the system that I can plug it and then fill it to the top of this vent hole on the side top of the outdrive and achieve the same result

 

[Scott Danforth]

Either go to Wal-Mart and spend the 6 on a gearbox pump, or use the squeeze bottles and make a little near. No need to pull the top cover on the outdrive

 

[Bt Doctur]

I understand it should hold about a quart will this system work?

Sure, it will work, it`s the fastest way to spending money for a brand new outdrive

Doing things this way can I effectively assume after a few minutes of letting this dream through the system that I can plug it and then fill it to the top of this vent hole on the side top of the outdrive and achieve the same result

Yep, the same result , $2200.00 Dollars lighter in the wallet

 

[NHGuy]

Alpha drives are filled from the bottom. The oil you poured in through the top has to be allowed to drain out. If you have a catch container sure save it.

But it's not up for debate, you MUST fill from the bottom. And you must fill it from empty or you will get air pockets which allow localized heat build and metal contact. If you don't the drive will break.
This job can make a mess, you'll want disposable gloves and some paper towels.
The best way is to use one of the pumps that you screw into the lower drain hole and onto the container of drive oil.
Make sure you have plug gaskets before you start. Fill it til it comes out the top vent, plug the top, then remove the pump and plug the bottom.
Spend the $10, save your summer.

 

[s.hadley81]

You should probably replace the o ring under the cap since you took it off, better safe than sorry so you don't have a leak and wind up with milky drive oil.

 

[achris]

Those top cover bolts need to be torqued to spec (20#/ft). Too tight and you'll distort the cover, too loose and you'll upset the bearing pre-load.

(Why don't people read the manual and follow it BEFORE tackling these jobs :facepalm

Chris......

 

[s.hadley81]

Those top cover bolts need to be torqued to spec (20#/ft). Too tight and you'll distort the cover, too loose and you'll upset the bearing pre-load.

(Why don't people read the manual and follow it BEFORE tackling these jobs :facepalm

Chris......

Learn something new everyday I never knew that could affect the bearing preload. Good thing I torque everything like the manual says!