Pre Alpha Shift Shaft Bushing- What does it do?

[theck4291]

What exactly does the shift shaft bushing do? and where can I buy one...?

 

[James D. Evans]

Should be #49 on this list, available right here at the site you are on! I think when I did my impeller I did part numbers 46-51, didn't need number 50 as it came on number 49.

However when mine had the leak that looked like yours, it ended up being the upper seal where the drive shaft goes from the drive into the motor. I had oil in the bellow when I pulled the drive from the boat. Just out of the blue it happened. Noticed oil on the concrete below it. Looked to be coming from the same spot yours is.

Pull the drive look for oil in the bellow...A pressure test will let you know for sure where it is at...and again afterwards to know if it is fixed.

 

[Bt Doctur]

not knowing the exact drive you have makes it impossible to answer. a lot of people call them pre alpha when their not. post a pic,

 

[James D. Evans]

not knowing the exact drive you have makes it impossible to answer. a lot of people call them pre alpha when their not. post a pic,

Previous post with a pic of the leak he stated...

Outdrive is a MC1, boat is a 1973 Fiberform cuddy voyager with a 1973 mercruiser 165 hp inline 6 engine

 

[theck4291]

Thanks James! Do I need the specialty tool to replace the shift shaft bushing? Also, what was the culprit in you having oil in your bellows and how did you fix?

 

[Bt Doctur]

you can make the tool from a impact socket and a disc cutter. oil in the main bellows comes from the carrier seal leaking and/or a groove in the input yoke.

 

[James D. Evans]

Thanks James! Do I need the specialty tool to replace the shift shaft bushing? Also, what was the culprit in you having oil in your bellows and how did you fix?

I used a big flat head screwdriver to remove install the shift shaft seal.

oil in the bellows...mine was the input shaft seal...and it was leaking down the shift shaft and dripping on the ground from the same spot in your picture. It is on the shaft that is hanging out of the drive when you remove it. Number 30 in the diagram below. I took my drive in to get this replaced. Requires specialty tools, and I think the gear mesh has to be set/adjusted when it is done. I only did the shift shaft seal as they are prone to leaking, so I did it a a preventative item while I had it apart doing the impeller and housing. Shortly there after I had the same leak as you...the input shaft seal.

 

[James D. Evans]

If I remember correctly the shift shaft seal will make the oil come out of the water drain holes in the lower unit. They are small weep holes on the lower unit towards the front of the boat. Maybe someone can chime in and verify this is true or not.

I still say take the trim rams off, remove the six nuts and pull the drive. You will more than likely find oil in the bellows, and it costs nothing to remove the drive (other than a few dollars for the outdrive gasket set)

 

[theck4291]

Ok, I am going to remove the outdrive tomorrow, and will check the seal then,,,,, is there a kit i need to buy to pressure check the unit or how do I do this?

 

[James D. Evans]

You can rig up an air hose with a regulator at 10 psi, but you will have to do the upper and lower separate. It would be wise to let a shop do this. I removed mine and took it to the pros. When I got it back, it was slide it in and go. Most will say check alignment, however mine was done about a month and a half earlier.

Only thing you will need is an outdrive gasket set to reinstall the drive.

If it won't come loose, just pick the leg up and drop it a time or two(if you have room to do so without it hitting the ground), and it will break the seal. It can be removed by one person, however it is much easier with two.

 

[theck4291]

I have removed the outdrive two months ago and replaced the bellows and shift cable, and the alignment is good... about how much did it cost you?

 

[James D. Evans]

$300 at the shop plus the outdrive gasket set.

 

[theck4291]

No Title

Pulled the outdrive, absolutely nothing in the bellow... I will attach a pic....

The other pic is the outdrive OFF the boat and exactly where the oil was coming from.....

 

[Bondo]

and exactly where the oil was coming from.....

Split the lower off the upper unit, you'll see the shift shaft seal on the top of the lower unit, just under that shift foot,...