Alpha one gen I install questions

SCORPIO

SCORPIO

Well-Known Member
Apr 7, 2008
2,743
Delaware
Boat Info
1989 300 DA
Engines
Twin 5.7 Merc Alpha I
Going to finally get my new engine installed next week and will then be reinstalling my Alpha One Gen I outdrive. Do I need to use any sealants on the big O-ring in the gimbal housing or on the little O-ring on the water passage? If so what type of sealant? I've seen videos on Youtube done every way, nothing, grease, and sealant, but its not named.

Also, the big paper gasket, put it on dry or grease it? I don't want to have to pull this apart again so I want to get it right the first time.
Thanks
 
The gentlemen that used to assemble mine used nothing on the paper gasket, and a bit of "grease" of some sort, on the o-rings. I think that more or less just held them in place during assembly. Right or wrong, I never had an issue.
 
you can dab some grease on outdrive gasket to hold it into place. They will tear and if you are putting an 80 lb drive on with 2 hands and maybe a friend it is one less thing to worry about.
You know you have to put throttle in gear (forward ) to put it on correct. also when the spline gets into the engine you can spin prop to line up gears.
set a piece of wood under skeg to take weight off your arms for easier install as well.
Good luck!
 
I dont know if the new generations are different but when I was learning marine mechanics 25 years ago they never went on until you were angry or frustrated. Hopefully the fit better now.
 
I use vaseline to hold the little o-rings in, but anything sticky will work. A little dab on the gasket will do the same thing. I've done impellers for years and most of the time they go back on easily. Once in a while they just don't want to go back on and I can't ever figure out what prevents them. Usually after the correct combination of cuss words, they slip right on. I use a couple of 2x4's and the tongue jack cranked to the right height to rest the skeg on while lining things up to put the drives back on.
 
I use a little dab of grease to hold those O rings in place. I've never had to do that with the big rubber gasket.
When you put the prop on the drive (if you took it off) grease the shaft, and the insert that goes in to the brass hub real well so everything comes apart easily when you take it apart again.
 
the large rubber ring is glued in place with contact cement, bellows adhesive, 3M weatherstrip adhesive
 
I use a little bellows adhesive on both the big gasket and the water passage O ring - just to hold them in place until I have the drive on and tight. As far as the bellhousing gasket, they tear easy, so make sit is on snug - can't tell you how many times I have torn a brand new gasket installing the drive - I buy them two at a time.

Also, there is a tool you can buy for $5 that keeps the shift slide upright and in place while you are installing the drive - I never had one until this year - that thing is worth gold, everyone who does their own drive work should have one.
 
BillK2632 said:
I use a little bellows adhesive on both the big gasket and the water passage O ring - just to hold them in place until I have the drive on and tight. As far as the bellhousing gasket, they tear easy, so make sit is on snug - can't tell you how many times I have torn a brand new gasket installing the drive - I buy them two at a time.

Also, there is a tool you can buy for $5 that keeps the shift slide upright and in place while you are installing the drive - I never had one until this year - that thing is worth gold, everyone who does their own drive work should have one.
Click to expand...

Do you have a link to a source for this tool?
 
Thanks for all the info guys, keep it coming. I'm not looking forward to reinstalling the drive. I think reinstalling the engine may be easier than the drive.
 
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