Removing/Reinstalling Alpha One Gen 2 Drive

[TyeeMan]

Hey everybody,

I have a couple questions regarding removing and reinstalling my Alpha one Gen 2 drive. I've done this before on 1990 that did not have the speedometer pick up on the drive and it was pretty straight forward.

Removal - shift into forward, raise drive to access the speedo tube, twist to disconnect, lower drive, disconnect the tilt/trim cylinders at the drive, loosen the six bolts and off it comes. Right?

My main question is in regards to installation. Per the Merc Manual it states to install the ( I won't get this totally correct) shift shaft or shift "something" stabilizer. My take on that is this is a device that keeps the "tab" that actually shifts the drive in true forward gear position for proper installation.
Is this a MUST USE device or if one exercises a bit of caution and takes your time can the drive be installed with out that device?

I'm taking my boat in this weekend to have all the bellows replaced, water supply tube, lower shift cable, and gear lube monitor hose. What I want to do is remove the drive myself so I can look around a bit, do an engine alignment check and change the water pump myself.
If I take the boat to the dealership with out the drive on it, will that impact them properly installing/adjusting the lower shift cable?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Bondo]

Right?

Ayuh,.... Correct,...

Is this a MUST USE device or if one exercises a bit of caution and takes your time can the drive be installed with out that device?

I'm guessin' yer talkin' 'bout the little plastic tool to hold the shift Slide,..??
I don't have 1, 'n have never used 1,...
I just be careful, 'n slide the drive on, while alignin' the shift slide, 'n roller,...

To hold the drive in forward, wrap a bungee strap from cav-plate, 'round the prop shaft, to the other side of the cav-plate,...
Slip the drive into forward, 'n rotate the prop shaft slightly backwards,...
That'll load the bungee, holdin' tension on the forward dog-clutch,...

will that impact them properly installing/adjusting the lower shift cable?

Ya probably, it's much easier with the drive installed,...

 

[JASinIL2006]

Hey everybody,

I
My main question is in regards to installation. Per the Merc Manual it states to install the ( I won't get this totally correct) shift shaft or shift "something" stabilizer. My take on that is this is a device that keeps the "tab" that actually shifts the drive in true forward gear position for proper installation.
Is this a MUST USE device or if one exercises a bit of caution and takes your time can the drive be installed with out that device?


Thanks in advance for your help!

I think you are referring to the Shift Shaft Slide Stabilizer (#91-865232). It is an orange plastic piece that holds the shift slide in place while you slide the drive on. I managed to get along without one the first several years I owned my boat. The orange piece does make it a little easier to get the drive back on, especially if you don't have an extra pair of hands to help. It's easily worth the $1.80 or so it costs.

 

[TyeeMan]

Ok thanks a ton! That's what I needed to know.

One other question. So if I have the dealer do everything, transom kit (which apparently includes gimbal bearing) lower shift cable, gear lube monitor hose, check engine alignment and replace the water pump, what kind of shop time am I looking at?

The shop mentioned 4 hours just for the transom kit if all goes well.