Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1 Project

[turand]

same issue here, I’ve damaged the teeth on this but while replacing ujoints.
I’ve heared you should not use the nut while teeth’s are broken because the big oring which slides in (the quadrant oring from the bell housing gasket kit) can be pushed into the bell housing And the water can get into the bellows and sink the boat. Can anyone confirm that please because I’m so afraid of that... thanks

I presume you are concerned about #8, PN#27-35982
(for my boat here

Bell Housing for Mercruiser (R / Mr Alpha One Sterndrive) Engine

www.marineengine.com

I am not an expert so I will defer, but at least on my boat, I don't see how less teeth would make it any more likely to dislodge the gasket, unless they are significantly malformed. Even so, the gasket is important to perfecting the seal, but I suspect the bellows adhesive and the clamp securing the bellows is going to be doing the heavy lifting in keeping any massive amounts of water that could "sink the boat".

Read the earlier comments when I broke my teeth, the experienced folks said its really not a concern.

 

[achris]

..
I’ve heared you should not use the nut while teeth’s are broken because the big oring which slides in (the quadrant oring from the bell housing gasket kit) can be pushed into the bell housing And the water can get into the bellows and sink the boat. Can anyone confirm that please because I’m so afraid of that... thanks

Quite correct. But here's the rub. To replace that cover (nut) you need to remove the drive gear and bearing pack from the end of the yoke. And that means setting up the rolling torque when you assembly it. It's not a difficult process (see my video on how to do it), but you do need a torque indicator. A torque wrench will NOT do! Advantage is that while you have all that apart, you can replace the seal and o-ring.

Chris........

 

[nola mike]

Quite correct. But here's the rub. To replace that cover (nut) you need to remove the drive gear and bearing pack from the end of the yoke. And that means setting up the rolling torque when you assembly it. It's not a difficult process (see my video on how to do it), but you do need a torque indicator. A torque wrench will NOT do! Advantage is that while you have all that apart, you can replace the seal and o-ring.

Chris........

Not all the A1G1 drives need the rolling torque method when reassembling the bearing pack...If his is an '85 or so he may have the old style assembly.

 

[turand]

I'm still having trouble grasping how missing teeth on the retainer will push the gasket into the bellows and sink the boat. My understanding is the teeth are only there to facilitate a wrench to remove the retainer and get at the drive gear.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

question to experienced colleagues here:

in 10:28 the guy is removing this retainer without pulling the yoke/gear assembly hmm what do You guys think?

 

[turand]

Thank you.

Let me say that again, THANK YOU. Just got back from a float test/joy ride with the wife after a 2 month project that included: universal joints, gimbal bearing, grease seal, bellows, shift cable, shift shaft seal, and while I was at it an impeller. Also a rewiring of the trim limit switch after a whoopsie with a razor blade.

To @achris, @nola mike, @Rick Stephens and all the others that gave great advice and encouragement I sincerely appreciate it. I learned a TON and it was among the most rewarding projects to work.