Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

[jfount]

So I've got a bit of a problem, nothing major but I was hoping for a little help. I've never had any real experience with sterndrive systems before; none what so ever with Mercruisers Alpha drive...until now. The drive I'm looking at (s/n ok136045) seems to have a rather excessive amount of in and out play in the prop shaft but I can't find any numbers on allowable movement. If anybody has specs on this I would appreciate your help. Side to side movement is in spec and there doesn't seem to be any more shavings than I would normally expect in the oil. Thanks for your help ahead of time.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

There is no spec. on the end play. If the drive is put together properly, it will have some end play. I've never actually measured it, but it's about an 1/8th inch or less.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

jfount, I am not a tech, and I believe DonS that there is no published spec. I also believe Don, that put together properly, there will be in/out play. Every prop on every Alpha that I have ever grabbed ahold of has moved in & out just a little bit. Never measured it either, but 1/8" sounds about right. Just enough to make a little "clunk" when you pull on it.

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

I had the same outdrive and can confirm that at least .125 play was there no matter what prop happened to be on the shaft.<br />Gotta leave room for all the fishing line right?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

I go with the rest.First time I noticed this,I checked ALL the drives in the yard and they all had about this much play.<br /><br />DHP

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

I had the same outdrive and can confirm that at least .125 play was there no matter what prop happened to be on the shaft.<br />Gotta leave room for all the fishing line right? <br />

<br />I am laughing at this now, but the more I think about it, the madder I get!

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

Self - edit....message deleted.

 

[jfount]

Re: Alpha Sterndrive Prop Shaft Play

I would like to thank everyone for their help. There aren't many places you can go for help with questions like this, certainly not Mercury. Hope everyone has a great new year.