I hate when this happens

[rb437]

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.

[THEFERMANATOR]

What did the drive lube look like that you drained out? It looks like it got some water in it from the coloraration inside in your pictures. The good news is that outdrives can be had now for about $500 on CRAIGSLIST, or a new STERNDRIVE ENGINEERING can be had for $1200.

http://www.sterndrive.cc/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=106AUC

[rb437]

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.

[rb437]

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?

[THEFERMANATOR]

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.

[spareparts]

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.

[rb437]

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.

[rb437]

Got the outdrive install and it works! I'm back in the water!!:clap:

[cterrebonne]

glad to hear all is well! major failures suck on a boat.

[spareparts]

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

[cfelton]

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:

[randlemanboater]

Good job RB!

[Blue_Runner]

Congratulations on a cheap fix! :clap: