Alpha 1 rams

SandyD

SandyD

Member
Nov 5, 2014
41
Oahu, Hawaii
Boat Info
2008 Sea Ray 175 Sport
Engines
3.0 Mercruiser w/Alpha I drive
What is the size of the spanner needed to remove the grease caps on the hydralic rams of an Alpha 1 drive? I need to add spacers to prevent my outdrive from hitting my swim platform
 
SandyD said:
What is the size of the spanner needed to remove the grease caps on the hydralic rams of an Alpha 1 drive? I need to add spacers to prevent my outdrive from hitting my swim platform
Click to expand...

I'm pretty well versed in the alpha 1, however in having a hard time understanding what you're asking.


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Are you trying to open up the end of the trim cylinder to limit the travel?
 
Sorry if the verbiage is incorrect but yes. I need to limit upward travel of the outdrive by installing a spacer on the trim cylinder. The spacer instructions shows the use of a spanner to open the cylinder.
 
Ok, I think I understand now. Your drive is tilting too high using the trailer button - the trim limit won't help here. I did some ready and found this is a fairly common thing to do when a low swim platform or swim step interferes with tilting the drive into the trailer position. Sounds like it is an easy thing to do, unscrew the aft end of the trim cylinder, slide the spacers on and put the cap back on. As far as the spanner wrench, Mercruiser makes one and there are some aftermarket tools out there - seem to be around $60. If you google, plenty of of others have made their own and used various non-specific spanner wrenches for this. Sorry I don't know what the size would be. I do know you need to find a wrench that fits, don't get lazy and put vice grips on it, you will ruin the end cap - not that you would, but I've been known to get tired, quit thinking clearly and do something like this (and then wish I hadn't). Another option is to get a dealer to do it, can't imagine it would cost much - it's a 20min job with the right tool.
 
Thanks BillK, that is what I thought but wanted to check here anyway. Thanks all for your responses. Much appreciated.
 
BillK2632 said:
Ok, I think I understand now. Your drive is tilting too high using the trailer button - the trim limit won't help here. I did some ready and found this is a fairly common thing to do when a low swim platform or swim step interferes with tilting the drive into the trailer position. Sounds like it is an easy thing to do, unscrew the aft end of the trim cylinder, slide the spacers on and put the cap back on. As far as the spanner wrench, Mercruiser makes one and there are some aftermarket tools out there - seem to be around $60. If you google, plenty of of others have made their own and used various non-specific spanner wrenches for this. Sorry I don't know what the size would be. I do know you need to find a wrench that fits, don't get lazy and put vice grips on it, you will ruin the end cap - not that you would, but I've been known to get tired, quit thinking clearly and do something like this (and then wish I hadn't). Another option is to get a dealer to do it, can't imagine it would cost much - it's a 20min job with the right tool.
Click to expand...

I'm still at a loss as far as where the spacer are going to hell with trimming up? Also a spammer wrench for the ram?


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Edit: just reread thread and previous replies. I get it. But I don't know if it wouldn't be easier to just not trim up so much?


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I don't want to worry about how high up I can trim. The drive does contact the swim platform at full up (I don't have a trailer setting).

Anyway, the starboard cylinder end cap is corroded onto the shaft and will not slide up or down. I decided to just replace the whole shebang so I ordered new cylinders, hydralic lines and a hardware kit so I can also change the front and rear pivot shafts. The front shaft was also corroded to the cylinder. They were a bear to get out but out they are. Awaiting new parts from MercAftermarkets.

Thanks again to all for your inputs.
 
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