I hate when this happens

rb437

rb437

Senior Member
I was out about 2 weeks ago and all of the sudden the boat would not move. Finally got time today to find out why. Here's what I found, stripped pinion gears in the out drive.
:cry:

Any suggestions on best way to fix would be appreciated.
 

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I didn't drain it so I don't know the condition of what may be left. Obviously the lack of oil is the root of the problem. I didn't see any signs of water or any leaks when I changed the oil back in May.
 
free outdrive with wrong ratio

I have a friend that has a Alpha outdrive that he'll give me. The gear ratio is different, 1.50 vs 1.84. Anyone have any ideas how this would work out? Could I switch to a higher pitch prop to make up for the lower gear ratio?
 
Wouldn't work out to the greatest, but would get you going for awhile until you find the right one. You would need a MUCH lower pitch prop to make up for the higher gear ratio. The 1.50: is for a V8, 1.62:1 is for a straight 6 and some of the V6's, 1.84:1 and lower are reserved for the 4 cylinder engines. The gear ratio matches the engines power curve to the props bite curve. NYMACK66 ran into this with a V4 outboard. The engine just wouldn't ever turn up and was lacking on performance, put the right gear ratio lower on it and all was well.
 
I/O's are a little more forgiving than OB's with gear ratio changes, they need the correct ratio to perform at their peak, but you can fudge a little by changing pitch and type of prop. First of all, what kind of motor are you running? Second, what prop pitch, diameter, and style are you runnign now. third, what kind of performance were you getting out of your old set up( WOT speed and rpm, cruise speed and rpm). Even if you can't get the 1.50 ratio to work, you might be able to trade it out for someone that has a 1.84 and needs a 1.50. With exception to the 1.5 HD's, the 1.65 gear sets are the strongest.
 
Good news

Found a guy nearby with an Alpha 1 out drive that was attached to a 470 motor. The oil in it looks clean, the gear ratio is correct and he will sell me for $200.00. I'll pick it up this weekend. I guess I won't know for sure if there's a problem until I hook it up, but $200.00 seems cheap enough to take the chance.
 
try to find a remote resevoir kit(try ebay or a Mercury parts outlet), ther are not cheap, but it can save your drive if it happens again. Ever since mercruiser installed them on the gen II alpha, you hardly ever see upper gear failure from lack of lube
 
Hey RB437, glad ta hear ya got her back running. My buddys drive did the same thing last year. He had it rebuilt and I know it cost alot more than 200 bucks! You did well!! Whats the guy doing with that leftover 470?:clap:
 
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