Alpha Outdrive Replacement

[johnebquick]

Just a quick question. After replacing my Alpha, I noticed that the instructions didn't mention anything about
gasket sealant. I greased the drive shaft, replaced all O-rings, installed the flat felt gasket and torqued bolts
to 50 ft-lbs with no problems. Did a quick start up and tested for F/N/R and all was well. Before I dunk her for
the final test, I just wanted to make sure it was not needed.

Thanks,
John

[nautiduck]

Used to do mine every season and I never used any sealant on the gaskets.

[johnebquick]

Thanks ! I was hoping for that. I'm good to go then. I also inspected the gimbal bearing and it was very smooth. The bellows also check out. It was replaced 2 years ago. I did not check the alignment but I think I will be OK. All that's left is to change the outdrive oil and check for water circulation on the water pump/impeller. I hope to have her in the water on Sunday.

Thanks Again,
John

[budddavid]

I use a gasket adhesive on each side, permatex makes one and so does 3M, it's yellow and looks like contact cement to me. I honestly believe that trying to seal that interface with a thin gasket is a bit of a joke and can't be expected to be very effective, some of the areas around the perimeter are only about 3/16" wide. The drive bellows are sealed by the large round rubber ring (not really an o-ring) and the water line has it's own o-ring. The gasket is really just keeping water away from the shifting mechanism. Though some miracle the gasket does seem to do it's job most of the time.

[jawz12]

I use a gasket adhesive on each side, permatex makes one and so does 3M, it's yellow and looks like contact cement to me. I honestly believe that trying to seal that interface with a thin gasket is a bit of a joke and can't be expected to be very effective, some of the areas around the perimeter are only about 3/16" wide. The drive bellows are sealed by the large round rubber ring (not really an o-ring) and the water line has it's own o-ring. The gasket is really just keeping water away from the shifting mechanism. Though some miracle the gasket does seem to do it's job most of the time.

using that adhesive may not be the best approach.it's a chore to remove,which ends up taking some of the paint off,which leaves bare aluminum,which in turn produces corrosion...use good ol' fashioned cheap grease,not a mettalic grease.every time i rem ove a drive and find this "yellow death",i cringe...i see people using it on water pumps too ???

[Judith A]

Jawz I can't agree with you more,I rebuild transmissions and can't stand when I get one with the pan gasket glued on with that crap ,just feel like throwing the pan out. the worse part is whatever oozed into the trans is now sticking all the valves and shift solenoids.
Back to the outdrive I've also just used grease on them and never had a problem. also reason gasket is thin is so it doesn't squash out when torqued down or wick water through gasket.
Mark

[johnebquick]

use good ol' fashioned cheap grease,not a metallic grease.every time i remove a drive

So just use the flat gasket dry, or are you saying use the flat gasket
with non metallic grease on each side?

I didn't use anything just the flat gasket and torqued the bolts
down to 50 ft/lbs. Is this correct?

I did replace all the O-Rings but just wanted to be sure.

John

[jawz12]

So just use the flat gasket dry, or are you saying use the flat gasket
with non metallic grease on each side?

I didn't use anything just the flat gasket and torqued the bolts
down to 50 ft/lbs. Is this correct?

I did replace all the O-Rings but just wanted to be sure.

John

grease on both sides-the swivel assembly and the drive...

[johnebquick]

I guess I'll pull it apart again and use some grease then. I shouldn't
have to take it completely apart. Just separate it an inch or so to get
my finger in there to spread the grease.

Thanks guys,
John

[jawz12]

I guess I'll pull it apart again and use some grease then. I shouldn't
have to take it completely apart. Just separate it an inch or so to get
my finger in there to spread the grease.

Thanks guys,
John

no need to pull it apart again...it's all together,leave it alone till fall when you pull the drive to winterize it...