Re-fitting Alpha 1 outdrive leg

[garybenidorm]

I am trying to refit my Alpha One Outdrive Leg, but although it goes onto the six bolts, it won't go right into place. It's not the gear toggle stopping it, I believe that the drive-shaft is not marrying up with the hole, as the universal joint allows it to flop around. But because of the housing it's impossible to get a tool in there to hold it on it's path. Any ideas??

 

[Maclin]

Re: Re-fitting Alpha 1 outdrive leg

(This should probably be in the Merc I/O section.) Did you use the alignment tool and procedure for the gimble bearing?

 

[dgiles]

Re: Re-fitting Alpha 1 outdrive leg

I had same issue. Helps with two people, but if you can slowly turn the prop while installing, it will turn the shaft and you can align it into the splines. It was the only way I could get it to align. Obviously, don't turn it in the free wheel direction.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Re-fitting Alpha 1 outdrive leg

X2. Splines on the driveshaft (or the engine) simply need to be turned a little bit. They're not mating. The U-joints, while it seems they are causing a "flopping" problem, are not the cause of this. Get the splines lined up and it will slip into place...assuming engine alignment is correct with the gimbal bearing.

The more often you do this, the more often you realize that once in a while they just slip right into place in 5 seconds. And once in a while, you get one wher eyou gotta jimmy/rotate/mess with it for HOURS....

Keep workin' it, you'll get it. Not sure if you're just manhandling this thing around, but using a stand to hold the weight of the drive makes this process 100 times easier...nearly free to build if you have a few caster wheels and scrap 2x4's....and worth it's weight in gold.