Pre Alpha 1 228 lower unit install

[Deep waters]

My ignorance is not bliss. I did not put the drive in forward before removing the lower unit. As a result the prop shaft will not engage and I can't align the outdrive shaft to engage.

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
If you just dropped the lower half of the drive, then no issue

Move throttle to forward
Rotate shift shaft until the prop locks in Reverse (note Rev not Fwd)
Raise the lower half into upper half

 

[Deep waters]

Thank you. I can't get the last 1/4" to marry. Also, while shaking it around to fit, the shift shaft is no longer in reverse. Your thoughts please?

 

[alldodge]

The shift foot should be point forward on the upper half and should be held in position mated to the shift shaft on the bell housing

The prop isn't staying lock in rev so the shift shaft is moving. Could put it in position and then use a bungee cord on the prop to keep the prop locked in place

The splines on the lower shift shaft will mate with the upper shift foot, and it might hang on the 2 pieces if they don't align correctly. It can be done but sometimes it just not worth the trouble for me to save the gasket on the upper.

The easiest way I've found to do it is pull the upper, mate the lower with upper and than install drive

 

[Bt Doctur]

All Dodge, I think you meant shifting into full fwd at the control box and rotating the lower splined shaft fully clockwise into fwd ,that will lock the prop in a CCW position not reverse

 

[alldodge]

All Dodge, I think you meant shifting into full fwd at the control box and rotating the lower splined shaft fully clockwise into fwd ,that will lock the prop in a CCW position not reverse

I said it the way I did so I didn't need to explain anything about how the dog clutch works

 

[Deep waters]

Thank you for the good information. The shift shaft coupler is pointing port. I positioned the shift shaft to match. Does locking the prop in reverse still apply?

 

[alldodge]

Shift shaft should point straight forward not to port

If the lower is in forward the prop will lock when prop is rotated counter clockwise

 

[Deep waters]

All is well for now. I haven't yet checked the shifting as I need someone at the throttle to help. In the mean time, now that lower and upper are mated, I need to remove and reinstall it. The bolt to hold the zinc fin fell out and rolled under my work bench. It's a good day! I get to practice.

 

[Deep waters]

Oops! Dismiss most of my last message. Can the coupler be aligned properly?

 

[alldodge]

Can the coupler be aligned properly?

Yes it can, but I'm guessing you want to know how, right?

Need an alignment bar which are made for Volvo, Merc, OMC.

Search Mercruiser alignment bar and it will show up

How To Link

 

[Deep waters]

Please send a link about water and or debris in a lower unit?

 

[Deep waters]

Specifically rust and oil. 1975 Mercruiser Alpha MC1. If you can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate your insight.

 

[alldodge]

Please send a link about water and or debris in a lower unit?

I didn't say anything about that, why are you asking?

 

[Deep waters]

I'm sorry. I posted about difficulties with mating my lower unit to the upper. The information you provided was extremely helpful. I am impressed with the depth of your knowledge. It seems that I asked a question or for information unrelated to my initial inquiry which I shouldn't do.
As to your question, when I serviced the lower unit it had very grimy oil with large rust particles/flakes and I'm looking for some information about where the point of intrusion is.
I'm aware that the exhaust manifold is in bad need of replacement and will get that done when I am able. I gotta get this boat as ready, as good as she can be and on the water so that I can take two great grandsons fishing and maaayybe tubing. Time isn't on my side. What time I have left I'd like to spend it on the water with them as much as possible. Again, my apologies Sir, I will get the hang of this forum and be a better member.

 

[alldodge]

No issue was just puzzeling

 

[Scott06]

As to your question, when I serviced the lower unit it had very grimy oil with large rust particles/flakes and I'm looking for some information about where the point of intrusion is.

The drive will need to come off and do a pressure test to determine it. Likely if you have rust the bearings have gotten exposed to water and its not gonna live very long. You can pop the top cap and see as when sitting the parts of the upper like the top bearing are not bathed in oil. If time is off the essence get a SEI replacement drive and bolt it on vs leak testing and tear down.

I'm aware that the exhaust manifold is in bad need of replacement and will get that done when I am able. I gotta get this boat as ready, as good as she can be and on the water so that I can take two great grandsons fishing and maaayybe tubing.

is this a salt or fresh water boat? when you say the manifold is in bad need of replacement, just understand that water leaking back in through the exhaust is a real easy way to loose an engine.