Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

[David E. Parker]

I think I shucked my outdrive. 1969 Mercruiser Inline 6 160hp with pre-alpha drive. Moving at idle speed suddenly had a scraping sound ( I think....shock and panic set in)from the upper outdrive. No forward - no reverse. Any thoughts here would be appreciated. My real question is..why won't the alphas I see advertised swap with a pre 1973 pre-alpha. Thanks in advance.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

Are you sure it is the drive and not the engine coupler?

 

[David E. Parker]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

Blk-n-Blu: No, I'm not sure. What's my best bet? Pull the outdrive and see what looks messed up. I'm pretty knew to outdrives, the only thing I've done so far is change tilt rams and repair hydralic hoses. Haven't pulled a drive yet.

 

[achris]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

Are you still pumping cooling water? If you are then the problem is in the lower gearbox. If not, then remove the top cover on the drive and have a look at the gears. Look ok? Then pull the leg off and check the coupler. <br /><br />I usually start with the easiest things to check before diving into the harder to look at things.<br /><br />Chris.......

 

[David E. Parker]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

I'll try that Chris. When it happened I shut it down right away and then only started it for a moment to try to shift by hand back at the transom. I'll put on the muffs in the driveway and check to see if its pumping. Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

My real question is..why won't the alphas I see advertised swap with a pre 1973 pre-alpha.

They Will.........<br />You Might need to use your short Input Shaft though.......

 

[David E. Parker]

Re: Pre-Alpha to Alpha Swap Question

Thanks Bondo: Thanks good to know. I really like my old Starcraft Chieftain and we've been getting it fixed up the way we like it. But it has some age on it and I want it to be dependable. I pretty good with a hammer and saw, but I'm only beginning to learn on the mechanicals.