Alpha One Gen II Water in Shift Cable

J

j-d

Active member
Joined
Nov 22, 2004
RO Number
15782
Messages
3,366
The Disaster du Jour...

When I was trying to get the engine to idle, popping throttle open and closed in neutral with the engine cover up... Dripping water from the slide at the shift plate end of the lower shift cable.

I don't think it does this while the boat is moving. At least seems like the cable is being exposed to water AND exhaust pressure. I meant to look, but it seems logical the through-hub exhaust would scavenge the discharge water and it would not get to the cable.

The boot is new. I suspect the outdrive-to-bellhousing gasket set is damaged. Possibly the foam seal that goes around the input end of the upper gearcase...

Hard to picture where the water is sealed by what and what the source would be...
 
whoever installed the drive forgot to install or damaged the O ring at the water passage
 
UntitledR_zpsee8049d0.jpg
 
I was thinking Rubber Gasket "B", correct? Does "B" go into the Gimbal Ring first, then slide the Drive in, or should it be slid back onto the Drive before it goes in?
Or are you saying O-Ring "A"?
Suppose it doesn't matter - R&R the Drive using a new gasket set properly placed... Would correct either...
 
If input water getting past O-ring 'A' into compartment where end of shift cable is, It would be under some pressure from the raw water pump in the drive. Also, There's a 'vent' hole in the transom plate about 5 o'clock (if memory serves) within the drive bellows that can leak water into the boat but it may not be involved from leaking O-ring.
 
1. I always put the rubber gasket "b" in first up against the u-joint bellows ring, then slide the drive on - never had a problem with it not sealing properly, it usually stays put while installing the drive and seals right up.

2. If the o-ring "A" is out of place that's not good, water is going to eventually get into the shift mechanism housing and the u-joint bellows. I say eventually, not immediately because it's got to get past the bell housing gasket and the u-joint gasket (b) first, but it eventually will. That little o-ring missing allows a LOT of water in due to the pressure from the water pump. When working on my drive if I even think that o-ring is not right I'll pull it back off and check. I usually use a little bellows adhesive to keep it in place while installing the drive.

I've been thinking about all this stuff a lot lately - it's time to do all 3 bellows and shift cable on my Alpha I Gen II.
 
the gasket "B" is glued into the housing with bellows adhesive or weather strip adhesive
 
I believe it could be the bushing below the shift mechanism. Shift shaft bushing I think it is called.
 
Bottom line is I'm gonna hafta go through the pain-in-the-butt process of getting the trailer dug out from behind the RV and the van dug out from behind the cars and go run the boat to the ramp to pull the sucker out. Then home and drop the outdrive. New MerC gasket kit plus some adhesive and I should be good. Unless I find water in the gimbal... Hired a tech to help with this project, which was replacing the upper gearcase. Maybe I need to take over.

BillK, Seal "B" went in first toward Gimbal. I'd"ve thought it better to slip it back against upper gearcase.

Richard, you're talking about the bronze bushings on the vertical shaft from cable down to lower gearcase, right? That's all been recently replaced.
Time to pull out and tear down, sigh...
Thanks everybody.
 
How high is the cable end to the water level? If it's above the water and it's only dripping while engine is running, then it's water under pressure like I said. The only water under pressure is the raw water supply connection, which is O-ring 'A'.
 
It's a decent height, Charlie, since there are 3" spacers between manifolds and risers, and the shift plate of course is on the Elbow.
 
Charlie - I've done "B" both ways, have found when I put it on the drive first I always knock the seal loose sliding the drive on. Like O-Ring "A" a little dab of grease or bellows adhesive doesn't hurt to keep things in place.
 
Slide 'B' on first with a dab of silicone. Drive goes on dry. Same for 'A'. a dab of silicone to hold the 'O'ring in place and help seal. Gotta clean all the surfaces real good, though.
 
If you read the manual it says to glue the thick ring in place and glue the water inlet o ring in place then install the drive.
 
Check the transom plate seal as well. The sealing ring/gasket can flatten out over time or the transom can get soft. Just another brainstorming thought here.

If it is the O-ring in the outdrive to bellhousing seal, that's actually great. It's an $8.00 fix then!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top