Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

[Bizmark]

Our 1987 2.5L, Alpha One runabout had an abrupt encounter with a rock this past weekend and unfortunately, the rock won the battle. After swimming the boat back to shore and towing it home, I pulled off the lower housing of the drive and found the vertical driveshaft cleanly snapped off in the o-ring groove right below the splines.<br /><br />My question is, "How difficult is it to replace this shaft." I know I'm looking at least $200 for pinion nut, lower carrier and retainer wrenches, plus the cost of the new drive shaft. Are there any other special tools or procedures needed? I think the existing bearings and gears are all in pretty good shape, however I can't be absolutely sure. If I don't buy the tools and do the work myself, I'll have to find a shop that can do the work. Hopefully I can find one that is not too busy. Any ideas on what the labor charges for a repair like this might be if I bring just the lower unit to them?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

If it was me, I would just consider buying a rebuilt lower unit. You really don't know what other damage it has caused. Prop shaft could have been bent also. Your time and money just not be worth the effort. I see your in the northern part where the season doesn't last long.<br /><br />Rocks do usually win, but it doesn't cost much to replace a rock!

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Bizmark,<br /><br />Take SS advice. To do the job properly you'll need to strip both boxes and have the gears crack tested and check the shafts for straightness. Then you'll need all the shimming tools to re-assemble it. If you haven't done one before, it can be a bit daunting.<br /><br />Chris...........

 

[Bizmark]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Thanks for the advice<br /><br />When I start to add up all the costs for new parts and labor/tools, I'm starting to think that a rebuilt drive is my best choice.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure that my current drive has quite a few hours on it and some of the seals have started leaking water in a bit. A rebuilt unit will also be the fastest way to get back on the water to enjoy the rest of the season.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Wise choice!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Check out the Aftermarket Drives here at iboats........<br />New, For the price of Rebuilt.......

 

[Don Brock]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Bizmark,<br />Your rock's cousin must be in Virginia - I had the exact same thing happen to me last Sat. (Wellcraft Nova 23 XL, 5.7L, MR260, Alpha I) <br />Rocks - 2, Mercruiser - 0. BoatUS towboat did a superb job of towing us back for 3 hours down the scenic Potomac River. My lower case took a nasty hit. Twisted the skeg pretty bad and it's at least and inch shorter (kinda looks like a Bravo now). Just got the lower unit off tonight and discovered exact same thing as you - sheared the drive shaft just below the spline. <br /><br />Three questions for the experts:<br />1) How do I get the broken spline out of the upper gear case? Could not get a hold of it with my needle nose pliers. I'll try a magnet tomorrow. Would turning the engine over by hand or by cranking it (no starting) help get it out - or is that a bad idea?<br /><br />2) My gear case fluid looked perfect, no grit or particles evident. How likely is it that the upper gear case (gears or bearings) experienced any damage? Any recommendations or suggestions to test or check?<br /><br />3) Bondo suggested the iboats.com aftermarket lower units: They are looking pretty good to me right now, but who makes them? Are they good quality? Are they made in the USA? Anybody have experience with them? Will standard merc parts work on them such as water pump impellers, etc or will they be proprietary? Whats the catch - why so inexpensive?<br /><br />This forum has taught me a lot over past year and a half. Thanks for your time and helpful advice. I am a much safer boater because of this forum - Good Vibes

 

[Bizmark]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement

Vibes,<br /><br />"I feel your pain"<br /><br />I didn't have a small enough magnet to try and get the broken spline out of mine, so I took apart the upper gearcase and drilled a small hole in the bottom of the spline. I put in a small sheet metal screw and grabbed it with pliers. It popped right out. It was just being held in by all the grease.<br /><br />I was also wondering about the aftermarket lower units. I think they are the ones from overseas, but I have yet to hear from anyone who has used one. A nearby dealer is having a "sale" on complete rebuilt alpha one drives, so I may just spring for a few extra bucks and replace the whole thing........And be a little more careful the next time out. <br /><br />Biz

 

[Trent]

Re: Alpha One Vertical Driveshaft Replacement