that was the Bottom didn't see anything on top. Not sure if it has a magnet, but either way didn't see anything.
Should have a magnet on the top vent screw as well.
Being it's more on the bottom, one thought would be since the shifting is done in the lower unit, it's "possible" that if you're shifting to slow going into and out of gear, you'd be dragging the forward, reverse gears on the pinion gear causing extra shavings. The alpha is designed to be shifted briskly into gear, go to slow and you get a grinding type sound that sometimes you'll hear it and sometimes you may not. Running a stainless steel prop could add to the grinding. Just throwing it out there for you is all. If that or something like it is the case, then you may not find much on the top end inspection should you decide to try it.
Nothing that stood out. The color looked maybe a shade darker, then the new stuff, but that could be because of a different brand.
Don't really want to turn this into a gear oil debate but what brand/weight oil are you using? Merc/quicksilver high performance gear oil hopefully? The color kind of looks like it.
I'll have to look this up and see how to do this.
On the top of the drive you'll see four 12 point bolts that require a 3/8 inch 12 point socket. You may need a new O-ring part number 25-32546. Torque on the top cover bolts is 20 ft.lb.
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...r=120&bdesc=DRIVESHAFT+HOUSING+AND+DRIVESHAFT
Yes I filled from the bottom once it got to the top hole I capped that and then kept filling till it filled the reserve.
That's pretty much the best way to fill the drive oil.
That's good, then you may not have an oil leak filling the U-joint bellows but it's good practice to pull the drive every year or two to inspect for leaks, check engine alignment using an alignment tool bar/add grease to engine coupler, inspect U-joints, gimbal bearing/add grease, add new gasket and O-rings, etc. etc. all while following along using Mercruiser service manual #14 found on the internet.
Is there a link on how to do this and what to check for?
There's hours of reading or watching videos online of how to remove and reinstall an Alpha drive like yours. Here is a bunch, just pick a few of your choice.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=how+to...39b19e0874fe29da4f97d0de152b5&FORM=QBRE&ghc=1
My plan was in the spring to run it a few times and inspect the plug for more shavings. I will also watch the lube level to make sure I'm not losing any.
Since you didn't really see any metal shavings in the oil catch pan then that's about all you really want to do for now is keep a closer eye on it, do more oil changes and be sure to shift briskly. Of course all of this is as long as the prop or prop shaft is not bent, damaged or excessively loose.
PS, Be sure you don't let the drive sit over winter with no oil inside as it could start to build up rust deposits internally...Don't want that to happen either.
Good luck.
