Spun engine coupler 1984 Merc 470, opinions?

[ErieRon]

Re: Spun engine coupler 1984 Merc 470, opinions?

I'm not familiar with the 470 engine, but I am with the Pre-Alpha and Alpha I drives. You've said that you've had two drives stolen already. I'd strongly suggest that you get in the habit of pulling your drive at the end of each season and bringing it inside somewhere safe. Two drives stolen aren't cheap. Pulling an Alpha is relatively easy, and since you're contemplating doing the kind of work on the engine etc. that you described, you're obviously capable of pulling the drive. Stick a plastic cover on the open housing and no critters can get in. You can find plans for a stand for the drive elsewhere on this site. If not, let me know, and I'll post pictures of mine. It's not fancy but it holds the drive, makes it mobile on land, and makes it easier to remove and install on the boat. Good luck with your repair. P.S.Your winters are worse than ours here in NY. Hy

bookworm, thanks for the insights. My drive is off...pulled it in July. And, I did make a stand for it with an integrated pressure testing rig, so I'm good there. One drive was stolen from a marina's winter storage lot way back in 1990 or so, and again in 2002 from my shop parking lot mid-season. Fortunately my insurance covered it both times and I now have a seven year old drive on my 25 year old boat/engine. Can't complain, but I would like to catch the you-know-whats that do that for a living. Anyway, thanks again for the input, and even though it now has one of those locking nuts, it will be off and sleeping in my shop over the winters from now on.