Self inflicted Alpha problems

[270win]

I have a first gen alpha drive I've replaced the impeller on. Simple job, done it before...I forgot to put it in forward by it came apart with no fuss. Obviously after reassembly it's not right, prop won't turn so I pull the lower again. Where do I go from here. The throttle won't move into gear.

 

[rschap1]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

I am thinking that you just need to get the shift linkage in proper position by the sound of it.
Pull the lower and get everything back in proper place...
If I am reading correctly.

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

I am thinking that you just need to get the shift linkage in proper position by the sound of it.
Pull the lower and get everything back in proper place...
If I am reading correctly.

Shouldn't the throttle move into gear with the lower off? Or do i have to shift it from the bottom of the upper and splines on the lower?

 

[Don S]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

It would help if you defined "Lower unit" many call the complete drive the lower unit, when the lower unit actually is the lower half of the outdrive. Some pull just the lower unit to change the impeller and others pull the outdrive during winterization and change the gear lube, do the pump and alignment checks, grease the spline etc. all at the same time.

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

It would help if you defined "Lower unit" many call the complete drive the lower unit, when the lower unit actually is the lower half of the outdrive. Some pull just the lower unit to change the impeller and others pull the outdrive during winterization and change the gear lube, do the pump and alignment checks, grease the spline etc. all at the same time.

I used the term correctly, the lower 1/2 of the outdrive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

Shouldn't the throttle move into gear with the lower off? Or do i have to shift it from the bottom of the upper and splines on the lower?

Ayuh,.... The control should shift the linkages through to the lower unit, Yes....

If it don't, disconnect at the shift switch, 'n try it from there...

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

Ayuh,.... The control should shift the linkages through to the lower unit, Yes....

If it don't, disconnect at the shift switch, 'n try it from there...

Ok, I'll go back to the shop in the morning and try it from there. For what it's worth, it did shift fine yesterday...before I messed it up. I'm assuming that if it doesn't work from the shift switch I need to pull the upper as well?

 

[Don S]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

Raise the drive and see if the shift shafts are together or apart as shown in the drawing.

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

Raise the drive and see if the shift shafts are together or apart as shown in the drawing.

I removed it with the drive raised, they are apart and the lower (male) part of the shift shaft slides up and down in the housing very easily...it won't stay up in the female or upper portion of the shift mechanism by itself, it has to be held in place by hand.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

I removed it with the drive raised, they are apart and the lower (male) part of the shift shaft slides up and down in the housing very easily...it won't stay up in the female or upper portion of the shift mechanism by itself, it has to be held in place by hand.

Ayuh,.... I think ya forgot a Washer....

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

Ayuh,.... I think ya forgot a Washer....

Actually, that raises another question. There wasn't a washer in there and no lock washers under any of the nuts...just self locking nuts.

 

[Don S]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

There had to be a washer before, that is the only thing that holds the lower shift shaft up.
There are no lock washers under those nuts.


View attachment A1 Impeller replace.pdf

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

I removed it with the drive raised, they are apart and the lower (male) part of the shift shaft slides up and down in the housing very easily...it won't stay up in the female or upper portion of the shift mechanism by itself, it has to be held in place by hand.

Just sounds to me like you and Don are talking about two different areas of the shift shaft. Pictures/sketches would be great. The more I "see", the more I learn. Also.... you "removed it with the drive raised, they are apart" are you referring the the "shoe" of the upper shaft being apart from the mating piece of the lower shaft?

 

[270win]

Re: Self inflicted Alpha problems

There had to be a washer before, that is the only thing that holds the lower shift shaft up.
There are no lock washers under those nuts.

That's what it is. But that washer wasn't in there when I took it apart...it must have fallen out but I just don't see how I didn't notice.

Thanks for the link!