1987 Alpha 1 stalling engine in reverse

[rbryan]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post to the forum. I just purchased a very well cared for (one owner) 1987 Monaco 195 w/Mercruiser 260.
Motor runs flawlessly but outdrive is making some noise in u-joint area and engine stalls when shifted to reverse. I did a little research on the problem, and am very handy but have only worked on (rebuilt) OMC outdrives.

Gimbal bearing, u-joint, boot, etc. were replaced about 5 years ago but boat has been sitting in a barn for the past 18 months.
Does it sound like the stuff above needs to be checked/re-done again? Could I do it myself? How difficult? Any quick fixes?:huh:

I want to get out on the water soon and don't have a lot of money (to pay someone else). Also I am limited on time to work on boat right now (major home projects taking precedent).

Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Rob

 

[SCORPIO]

The noise could be gimbal bearings or shaft u-joints. The stalling sounds like either a shift cable adjustment or binding lower shift cables.

 

[stuckinforward]

corroded shift cable, will stall the engine, it will shutter and activate the intermittant kill switch that allows the drive to shift into gear.
gimble bearing will make noise all the time when the engine runs, u-joints will usually make more noise when you turn the drive or raise and lower while running. probably best replace all of them and the impeller too

 

[garryowen]

rob; after 5 years of use--out of water setting is as hard on these parts as on water use--do your self a favor and change the rubber parts and lower shift cable and check the gimbal bearing and u-joints and lube. and check your engine alinement.

you wont regret the piece of mind and small cost. especially if you can do work your self

not an instant fix but easy to do in weekend and if you shop around parts should be under $200.
the drive alinement tool might be the biggest problem to find or borrow
the drive on and off is simple and straight forward and less than 1/2 hr off and a 1 hr back on. make sure you have a manual to follow as the drive needs to be in forward gear before you remove it + directions to change parts and adjust shift cable

 

[rbryan]

Re: 1987 Alpha 1 Outdrive Mechanic Needed

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Does anyone know of a reputable but reasonable mechanic in the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Area?:smt100

Sounds like I need the standard gimbal, u-joint, bellows, impeller maintenance special. Plus a check of the shift cable etc.

I would like to get this work done by someone else (I will try it next time when I have more time!)

Thanks again!

Rob

 

[Lazy Daze]

Rob, just for clarification... the noise is being made with the drive in the down position? Or are you running the engine with the drive tilted up?

If it's in the down position, I don't have anything else to add to what's already been said. If it's in the up position, put it down and hope no major damage was done.

Sorry for asking such a simple question, but sometimes the simple stuff gets overlooked and we only have the written word here on a forum.

 

[rbryan]

Drive is in the down position. Turning wheel makes no difference in sound intensity or tone. Did not raise drive while engine was running - luckily!
Thanks, Rob