See full version: Change oil in merc alpha one out drive
When the lube is done draining, take some time and inspect the drain and vent holes for the old gaskets. A pick works well to pick the old gaskets out of the holes. Be aware that older gaskets get rock hard and they are more difficult to remove. Make sure the gaskets aren't stuck on the drain plugs. Locate your new gaskets and place them on the screws and set them aside. here
You will need:
Large Slotted Screwdriver
Oil Drain Pan
1 to 2 Quarts of the proper Drive Lube
The Alpha One can use either Mercruiser Premium
or Mercruiser High Performance Gearlube.
A Drive Lube Pump (part 91-802891K2)
New Drain Plug Gaskets (part 12-19183--3)
Clean Rags
Just changing the lube will not fix a drive! more
Before removing the pumps hose, go ahead and install the top plug making sure the new gasket is in place. This will help hold the lube in the drive while you are trying to get the lower plug installed. Remove the pumps fill hose and install the lower plug making sure the new gasket is in place. [links]
The Alpha One holds about 2 quarts of Mercruiser Premium Gear Lube. More if you have a remote Drive Lube Reservoir.
We like to get 3 quarts of Mercruiser Premium Gear Lube and we use part of the first quart to flush through the drive to clean out some of the older lube. here
Once completely drained, connect the fitting on the hose pump to the lower hole, insert the pump into the bottle of lower unit oil and pump in the new oil. The capacity is about 1-1/2 quarts so you’ll be into the second quart before the oil starts to flow out the top hole, signaling that the unit is full. If a lower unit oil reservoir is mounted on the engine, use some of the remaining oil to fill it. here
Mercruiser’s Alpha One outdrives have been around for over 25 years and have a proven history of being reliable when they are well maintained. Both the Alpha One “MR” and Alpha One Generation II are easy for owners to service with a few basic mechanical tools and a little effort. General maintenance includes servicing the propeller and shaft, changing the oil inside the unit and servicing the drive shaft.
Purchase two quarts of lower unit oil and an oil pump that fits quart bottles. The pump will come with a hose and special fitting to attach it to the unit. Trim the unit fully down. Two flush-mounted slotted screw caps are located on the left side of the unit. Remove the one at the top, then the lower one, which will allow the oil to drain out. more
Removing the lower unit to get at the drive shaft is uncomplicated. Put the boat's shift lever in forward gear. If it is equipped with a speedometer, disconnect the rubber speedometer tube from the water pickup. Uncouple the ends of the hydraulic trim cylinders from the lower unit. Unscrew the six nuts that hold the lower unit to the boat and remove the unit. Service the drive shaft, remove the old gaskets and O-rings and replace them with ones from the kit. [links]
This is an annual or 100-hour service. It's messy and frustrating. If you use your boat enough to warrant learning to do it yourself, fine. Otherwise, spend the money to have it done by a professional. Purchase a lower unit gasket kit and a tube of M-4-C grease. The actual service on the drive shaft is simple. Slather some M-4-C grease on the drive shaft with special attention to coating the splines that slip into the engine coupler. Early model Alpha Ones have universal joints with grease zerks. A couple shots in each zerk and the maintenance is done. here
Hello,
I had a breakdown on the lake the other day (cracked head . but not due to heat) anyway when I shut down the engine I could smell gear oil when I opened the engine hatch. I checked the reservoir and it went from full down to the add mark. I thought I had a leak but nothing can be found in the engine compartment. The hose from reservoir to the transom is intact and there were no signs of oil in the water behind the boat. When I got it home I noticed a slight white glazing here and there around the cap on the upper drive.
I pulled the drive to check the impeller (which I had replaced about 4 months ago and the boat has ran fine since) and drained the gear oil first. Oil looked nice and clean . no water in it.
When I separated the upper and lower unit about a half a cup of oil seaped out the side. (I can't ever remember this happening when I changed the impeller before and I change it every year) I turned the upper gearcase upside down to look and it looks like it was leaking down from where the splines connect together.
I can tell there is a seal right where the lower shaft enters the upper shaft and it sets in a groove right there and it shouldn't be hard to replace, but I can't seem to be able to find the MC number for that seal anywhere.
It doesn't look or appear to be damaged (I bought my SE116 in 2006) and I am wondering if that is the seal that is leaking or is there another seal further up that I need to replace.
Could something like that have caused the drive to overheat? I would think as long as the impeller is functioning it would also cool the drive properly. [links]
But I wanted to be sure after smelling the gear oil and noticing a drop in the gear oil reservoir that nothing was wrong with the impeller or drive. here
Reach into the large hole and try to turn the gimbal bearing.
It's center should turn easily and smooth. If it's loose or stuck then replace it! (another story)
You will also be able to view the "shift cable cavity" where the shift slide is protruding.
This cavity should be free of ANY corrosion and water.
The lever should be in good condition and the roller should spin free.
Most of the shift components in the shift cavity should be greased and clean.
Note! If you turn the prop in the "ratcheting" direction then it will pop out of gear!
Remember. it MUST be in forward to be installed. [links]
IF you attempt to install the new cable without this tool OR if the tool is not milled correctly, then you will destroy your new shift cable during installation
AND you might destroy your $300.00 bellhousing as well.
Mercruiser does NOT sell this tool.