Install Mercruiser alpha one outdrive to boat - All important steps

If interested in purchasing this product, visit our Amazon affiliate link below. I earn from qualifying purchases.
Outdrive Rack/Stand:
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Gimbal bearing install tool: amzn.to/3QqSFdp
Marine grease 2-4-C: amzn.to/3PiLmDX
High performance Extreme grease: amzn.to/46jnWUe
Shift-Shaft bushing kit: amzn.to/3GoiepL
Trim limit/sender switch kit: amzn.to/45GOIXb
ANODE replacement kit: amzn.to/3swSeVQ
Quicksilver grease gun: amzn.to/3QI0eez
OEM Set screw: amzn.to/3rWY4zt
Gimbal bearing grease seal: amzn.to/3tGswhF
Perfect seal (New sealant): amzn.to/3FmGnMR
Security bit set: amzn.to/3FolgJW
1 1/16” deep socket: amzn.to/3PVEoUs
Bellows replacement kit: amzn.to/3RL7h8v
Shift Cable Socket: amzn.to/3qtVdgq
Hinge Pin removal tool: amzn.to/44YuasH
Flex Shaft Screwdriver: amzn.to/3s8E3W4
Utility knife: amzn.to/3QBjP1K
Bellow adhesive (92-86166Q1): amzn.to/3sv9nyF
Lacquer thinner: amzn.to/3QGvxbd
Long flathead screwdriver: amzn.to/3qMm08a
Aviation gasket maker: amzn.to/47XHS18
Wire brush kit: amzn.to/3OTZ8vr
1 1/16” deep socket: amzn.to/45T1u4j
800 grit scuff pad: amzn.to/47SaM2y
Bell housing bushing/oil seals(23-805041A2): amzn.to/3szdhGS
Swivel vise: amzn.to/3sfLsAv
3/8” socket extension: amzn.to/3EhRKFa
2lb hammer: amzn.to/3QDHiz3
Water tube bushing cover: amzn.to/46yp9aI
Water tube bushing seal: amzn.to/3tjcBWt
44'' Water cooling hose: amzn.to/48IEcQX
Gear lube SAE90: amzn.to/45vlqux
Loctite 271: amzn.to/47SXV00
Outdrive gasket kit: amzn.to/3rb5HBR
**********
1. Purpose of 3rd o-ring on U-joint shaft
• 3rd O-ring groove on M...
2. Remove gimbal bearing
• Remove Mercruiser alph...
3. Install new gimbal bearing
• Install new sealed Per...
4. How to calibrate Trim limit/sender switch kit
• How to calibrate/align...
5. Replace outdrive Trim Rams
• Replace Mercruiser out...
6. Replace outdrive anode kit
• Replace Mercruiser out...
7. Grease your entire outdrive the right way
• How to properly add gr...
8. Build your own custom skateboard
• Build your own custom ...
9. Mount your skateboard on the wall
• How to hang skateboard...

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

If interested in purchasing this product, visit our Amazon affiliate link below. I earn from qualifying purchases. Outdrive Rack/Stand: amzn.to/461ul7X amzn.to/4cBO7tb amzn.to/3S2V7qC Gimbal bearing install tool: amzn.to/3QqSFdp Marine grease 2-4-C: amzn.to/3PiLmDX High performance Extreme grease: amzn.to/46jnWUe Shift-Shaft bushing kit: amzn.to/3GoiepL Trim limit/sender switch kit: amzn.to/45GOIXb ANODE replacement kit: amzn.to/3swSeVQ Quicksilver grease gun: amzn.to/3QI0eez OEM Set screw: amzn.to/3rWY4zt Gimbal bearing grease seal: amzn.to/3tGswhF Perfect seal (New sealant): amzn.to/3FmGnMR Security bit set: amzn.to/3FolgJW 1 1/16” deep socket: amzn.to/3PVEoUs Bellows replacement kit: amzn.to/3RL7h8v Shift Cable Socket: amzn.to/3qtVdgq Hinge Pin removal tool: amzn.to/44YuasH Flex Shaft Screwdriver: amzn.to/3s8E3W4 Utility knife: amzn.to/3QBjP1K Bellow adhesive (92-86166Q1): amzn.to/3sv9nyF Lacquer thinner: amzn.to/3QGvxbd Long flathead screwdriver: amzn.to/3qMm08a Aviation gasket maker: amzn.to/47XHS18 Wire brush kit: amzn.to/3OTZ8vr 1 1/16” deep socket: amzn.to/45T1u4j 800 grit scuff pad: amzn.to/47SaM2y Bell housing bushing/oil seals(23-805041A2): amzn.to/3szdhGS Swivel vise: amzn.to/3sfLsAv 3/8” socket extension: amzn.to/3EhRKFa 2lb hammer: amzn.to/3QDHiz3 Water tube bushing cover: amzn.to/46yp9aI Water tube bushing seal: amzn.to/3tjcBWt 44'' Water cooling hose: amzn.to/48IEcQX Gear lube SAE90: amzn.to/45vlqux Loctite 271: amzn.to/47SXV00 Outdrive gasket kit: amzn.to/3rb5HBR ********** 1. Purpose of 3rd o-ring on U-joint shaft kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_RgXaoi8yrZs0 2. Remove gimbal bearing kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpzKh6V7nt15e5o 3. Install new gimbal bearing kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpDUf4ywYqt1jqc 4. How to calibrate Trim limit/sender switch kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PIpY2MoLWDfqs 5. Replace outdrive Trim Rams kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJzGd4yiasd_bcU 6. Replace outdrive anode kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6rCopaihZiti7M 7. Grease your entire outdrive the right way kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKUpHWrZbmmhtk 8. Build your own custom skateboard kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3rWpayVact8f9k 9. Mount your skateboard on the wall kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWa0dXaBj7N6fpI

[@wadebruffey2902]

Commenting to say that Michael, you got us through our outdrive replacement with zero prior knowledge. We just started her today and everything works great. We are so proud of our work, and not to mention, we saved $1000’s doing it ourselves. THANK YOU for these videos!!!!

[@nighiii]

You have the best videos on all of this info. Thank you so much man, killer work and dedication to all the important steps.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@nighiii Good morning ☕️ You are welcome, and we are very honored to read this, thank you! We do our absolute best to get the DIY community the info they need without wasting their valuable time! 😎👍🧰

[@MrBjWilco6500]

Spectacular videos on this subject! Easy to follow. Covered all the questions along the way. A sucessful repair thanks to your instructions. Thanks!

[@Pollux95630]

Nice info. Looking at a possible boat purchase and found a Sea Ray Sundancer that needs an outdrive replacement for cheap. I'm a big car DIY guy and do all my own wrenching and maintenance so wanted to see if this is a job within my capabilities and thanks to your video, seems totally doable.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@Pollux95630 Definitely doable, especially if if have the DIY car repair experience. You can bring your past experience to the outdrive and get it overhauled. We will be here to help answer questions as you work through it. 😎👍🧰

[@leo.344]

Best how to video I have ever watched. Do you have an idea of how many hours it took and roughly how much the parts and speciality tools cost for this job ? After watching im strongly considering rebuilsing my alpha 1 this winter

[@cirovillabona]

Wow, I really enjoy watching every minute of your videos, it is amazing the way you explain every single detail, I don't think it can be better than that. Without doubt, you are the best teacher on the internet in relation to this topic of maintenance of Mercruiser engines and Alpha One outboard. In today's video that is being posted 6 days ago, I learned a lot and I see few mistakes I made when I did the installation in my boat. Thank you again for taking the time to do all these spectacular videos with so much detail and on top of that sharing the links to buy the right products according to the specifications of the manuals. Since I have a present problem in my boat going forward and back, and I needed to diagnose is the whole thing I remove everything from the outboard and when I replace the bolds of the output into the gymball I didn't know that they have to be calibrated to the 54 lb of pressure, so tomorrow I will be calibrating those bolts on my boat. Thank you again for everything that you do to teach us all the proper procedures to do all this work, I really enjoy learning from you!👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Extremely kind of you to share this, we continue to be more and more excited to work very closely with the DIY community. Honestly, it’s the best community in the world and filled with the friendliest group of people…aka…DIYers. 😎👍🧰

[@jeb6294]

Note: IT’S NOT GOING TO BE THAT EASY!!! Great series. I used it to replace my gimbal and bellows. BUT, if you’re removing/installing your existing drive, it isn’t going to go on that easy. The steps are all right, but I think having a shaft with new splines makes it go much smoother. Once I got mine on where everything was lined up, I actually had to use a small sledge and a block of wood to tap mine until the threads were exposed. Then I could use the nuts to pull it flush and snug. To be fair, I also had to prop a block of wood between the gimbal ring and the top of the drive and trim up to “press” the drive off when removing, so I think it’s just the gunk gumming things up a little bit.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts and experience. 😁👍🧰

[@davestewart9146]

Good to see the drive reinstalled on your boat, great video Michael 👍😁

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning Dave ☕️ I remember the day we did this. Really great to see it fully rebuilt and back installed on the boat. 😁👍🧰

[@Joe-mc4pe]

Awesome video ,thank God for you and your videos.Can’t wait for the next one.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Very honored to hear that, no joke. We work hard on these DIY project videos in hopes that they benefit many within the DIY community. Many more to come! 🧰

[@filiptrojanek5083]

Thanks Michael! Very thorough and informative. Is there a source for where to buy the outdrive cart?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@filiptrojanek5083 You are welcome, we appreciate that. There are a few good options in regards to outdrive carts/stands. We will post a few options below. The first link is kinda cool. 😜 amzn.to/461ul7X amzn.to/4cBO7tb amzn.to/3S2V7qC If interested in purchasing this product, visit our Amazon affiliate link above. I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@phil896]

great video, where did you get your rolling outdrive stand???

[@Joseph-cy3ns]

Greased threads must reduce torque by 25% or you could break the bolts.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning ☕️ Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and info.

[@BehlauGaming]

hello I immediately have the steps he man 1 inch and my foot doesn't want to go back in 3 days I start again and again and he doesn't want to go any further please help

[@elmerhuyard3565]

Hey great DIY. I reinstalled mine last fall but something didn't seem right, like the large o ring wasn't seated. I had trouble closing the gap, about 1/4 inch. Used the bolts to pull it together now I'll be taking it apart again before hitting the water.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. How did outdrive perform during that time? Did you hear any humming or vibration? It’s possible that the u-joint shaft didn’t perfectly align itself with the inner coupler spines…and it didn’t want to conveniently slide into place. When you separate drive from bell-housing, check to also see if the shift cable shows any signs of interfering while the drive was being re-installed. Looking forward to hearing back from you. 😎👍🧰

[@elmerhuyard3565]

Thanks for the response! I haven't run the boat since and have the unit off again as we speak. Plan on reinstalling today.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@elmerhuyard3565 Very cool, we are happy to help. 😁👍

[@dr.tophergaming5851]

Hey Michael, did you ever do a video on how to properly adjust your shift cable once the outdrive is installed on the boat? I couldn't find it on your channel, thanks!

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning ☕️ it’s on the list however haven’t filmed yet. Any update on your adjustments?

[@CoreyCox25]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. I just bought my first boat a 1985 legend that is nearly identical to yours. Its so hard looking at old diagrams not even sure if they are for my motor and then finding corresponding parts that all have been replaced with new part number's from different brands. Not to mention i cant find a service manual for the boat to save my life. How did you find a service manual?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

We are honored to read this, thank you. Congrats on purchasing your 1985 Legend. To get your proper service manual, you can contact Mercruiser HQ in Wisconsin and get in touch with their service department. They will need your outdrive serial number. At that point, they can get you the exact service manual for your exact serial number outdrive. You can reach out to us any time. Looking forward to 2024, many more helpful videos to come. 🧰

[@CoreyCox25]

​@DIYwithMichaelBorders I figured out what my issue was! Along with a cruddy part not helping, when I first started working on my boat I watched a video of how to replace the impeller by someone else who said to put it in reverse and ratchet strap the propeller so it doesn't move. Well it had been so long since I started working on it because i kept having to fix other things as i went. I completely forgot putting it in reverse. Everything I was doing after getting it all put together just seemed backwards making me think maybe i had bought a part for a cw prop. The prop never locked like it was supposed to. I was putting my lower unit onto the upper unit while it was set to reverse and the top was set to forward drive. I got my boat in the water this past weekend and it's running exactly like its supposed to! Thanks again for posting these easy to follow videos. I would not have been able to learn about the ins and outs of my boat and how to do work on it.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@CoreyCox25 Thanks for the follow up, that will definitely do it. You’re not the first to run into that. 😁👍

[@sethnoble1898]

I got my outdrive about a inch away but not enough where the studs stick through the outdrive. I made sure alignment was pretty close. Alignment bar went in fairly nice and smooth. I have the boat in drive and the prop locked in forward. Any tips would help. Thanks

[@sethnoble1898]

I also know that the splines on the shift are going in to the splines in the motor cus when I turn the motor with a socket it spins the prop

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, any update? They can be stubborn at times if not perfectly aligned. By chance did you apply grease to the tip of yoke shaft? If so, this can act as a form of pressure or resistance against you as you install shaft. Sometimes too much grease will be added to inner coupler which can cause the same issue. The grease gets trapped between inner coupler wall and tip of shaft and can’t do anything but make it impossible for you to shift drive fully into place.

[@xxamde1]

Someone knows how to adjust properly the shift cable for this exactly combination mercruiser 3.0L Alpha One Gen 1

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. Let us know if you have any questions. 🧰

[@xxamde1]

How to adjust the shift cable properly cause I guess it's something wrong is not moving the shift switch properly 🤦🏽😅

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@xxamde1 Thanks for the reply, we have shared a few links to our videos of us replacing shift cables on boats. We have shared links on outdrive as well as outboard engine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJzLpGunarOsoKssi=61e9JZ4JdqUNaxKZ kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5DLnXagiqeHkM0si=0Lu60xjbL17WH7qB kzbin.info/www/bejne/amqTmJV6mqdjfpYsi=ETQidm1G8fLeyjJL Keep us posted.

[@adamlee4252]

Im installing mine as i type this, it binds up 3/4" away from the bell housing, its aligned, shifter is good etc i cannot get it to slip in, mechanic skills i thought was about 8/10 lol

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, any update? Are you installing alpha drive or bravo? Most common cause is ever-so-out of alignment splines. Can you see the yoke shaft coming through the hull when standing inside boat and looking down behind inboard? Please keep us posted.

[@adamlee4252]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders yes i got it, i had the wife turning the motor over as i pushing in on my alpha one drive and worked it in, must be just to say out of alignment but ive been messing with alignment all day and couldn't get it seated. Just called it a night, bugs are bad here in northern Ontario! Thanks for the reply Yes i had my hands clear of the prop!

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@adamlee4252 Awesome to hear, we appreciate you taking the time to keep us updated. Great to hear you called it a day at the appropriate time…bugs are no joke in the North. We are working on a 1994 Mercury outboard today, replacing parts. Projects never end…but we here at our channel are thankful they never do. 😁👍🧰