Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

[tunacious]

I heard a clunk while bringing my boat onto plane and lost all power to the drive. Engine runs fine but without the drive turning, have no cooling water. I can see the shaft turning from the engine to the outdrive and the drive seems to shift properly(tested out of water by turning prop). I suspect the universal joint but would appreciate some expert comments on other possibilities. The drive is a generation 1 Alpha.

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Two words,DRIVE COUPLER<br />mine did the same thing,The motor must come out to replace it,I just did mine this weekend,took the day,the cost for a boat mechanic quotes 1,000 to 1200.00 .I did mine for about 300.00 ,<br />Buy the part on EBAY cheaper.<br />good luck

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Needless to say, you will also need to look for the cause of the failure.....ie misalignment = bad mounts / transom, something....They usually don't just quit for no reason....JK

 

[tunacious]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

The motor and outdrive have been trouble free. Is there any possibility the problem could be within the drive; u joints or gears?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Yes, possibly.....If you have it out of the water, pull the drive, then you can visually inspect the u-joints...If they are shot...you will see it right away... Check the splines on the drive shaft for signs of wear..With the drive off & in gear, turn the prop.....The u-joint end should spin....If it does not, then your drive has internal damage....Hope this helps.....JK

 

[tunacious]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Thank you for your help. I will pull the drive and check.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

I can see the shaft turning from the engine to the outdrive

That's Not a Blown Coupler,..............<br /><br />That's a Shattered set of Upper Gears...........<br /><br />That drive needs to be Torn Down,+ Rebuilt............... <br /><br />Sorry,+ Good Luck..................

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

I'm with Bondo - and I speak from personal experience! Click here to see pics of what happened to mine.<br /><br />The only reason I would suspect it's not the coupler is because you mention you can see the shaft turn. If you remove the top cover from the outdrive you can check the condition of the upper gears.

 

[tunacious]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Bondo, if your diagnosis is correct, And it sure sounds right, do you think its prudent and cost effective to rebuild the drive or purchase a new or remanufactured upper. I want it to be right as the boat is used for offshore fishing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

It Depends on the Talent you have available,..........<br /><br />I have a guy up the road that does Great Work,......<br />If I handed him Your drive,.. With All the Replacement Parts,........ I'd get it back in a Week,..<br />The Parts I either have used,.. Or get at NAPA,.... Cheap,.. Because I spend money in that store for 2 Companies,..... <br />Ayuh,... I get The Discount,.......<br /><br />Those Aftermarket Drives I see look like a He11 of a Deal,......<br />I think they sell them Right Here at iboats,.......<br /><br />Even if you were to buy a Brand New Upper Unit,......<br />I'd have the Lower Gone Thru as Well..........

 

[tunacious]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

Update: Took the top cover off the drive and the gears are toasted. Pulled the drive( wow, that was easy) and have to decide wether to fix or replace. How tough to replace the upper gears.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha drive lost power

I think you will find after investigating the cost of new (or even used) gears, that you can buy a brand new outdrive for less than you can have yours rebuilt. That's true for an aftermarket outdrive anyway. I bought a new SEI unit and am very happy with it so far. (Check the prices on ebay for your best deal).