Replacing Alpha I Gen II

[majphill]

To make a long story short, My lower drive needs to be replaced due to freezing. I believe this was simply due to my leaving the trim up with water still in the housing. Engine runs fine and was winterized successfully. The housing is cracked all around the prop. Several questions:<br /><br />1. Does anyone have any experience with Sterndrive Engineering, Inc. replacement drives?<br /><br />2. Once I get a lower half, is it a fairly easy "bolt on" process with a seal kit?<br /><br />3. What is the best way to tell if the upper half is okay?<br /><br />4. Does gear ratio come into play when only replacing the lower half?<br /><br />I have a 1991 Rinker, 4.3 liter Merc.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[94proline2550]

Re: Replacing Alpha I Gen II

It is fairly easy for someone used to turning a wrench now and then. If you don't already have a service manual I would advise getting one. There are a few things to watch. Make sure you get the bolt hidden under the trim tab anode and the one in front by the speedometer pickup tube. Ratio is everything.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Replacing Alpha I Gen II

1. not yet, I am in need of a replacement drive and they will be the ones I get it from. I've done a fair amount of research and they seem to be good.<br /><br />2. fairly easy. hard part is putting the two halves together if you're by yourself. If you have an extra set of hands it is easier.<br /><br />4. gear ratio happens in the upper half. The lower half is a 1:1 so you need not worry about ratios when replacing just the lower.<br /><br />3. if you've never had water in the gear oil and with the halves separated you can turn the upper driveshaft by hand and it's easy, smooth, and no grinding sounds then chances are it's fine. Another way to tell would be pulling the top bearing cover and inspect the bearing, and maybe the wear pattern of the gears if you can see them. I haven't torn into a drive so I can't give you specifics or procedures on doing that.