My friend took apart a 1990 era alpha to change the water pump and now can not put the lower back onto the upper case. Any tricks? He asked for some help tomorrow and I would like to have the OSO team help as I am a Bravo man myself.

Doesn't the drive shift in the lower on an alpha??

Thanks in advance.

put the lower in gear and rotate the propshaft slightly, it should drop right down. also DONT loose the little rubber O ring for the oil passage on the edge of the case or the spring on the top of the shaft (if it has one), pay close attention to the orientation of the shifter dohickey too. those are the common pitfalls to the alpha. otherwise there is nothing that should make it not slide on. if you or anyone you know has a black and decker workmate (little portable work bench deal) they make great holders for the lower while your working on it too.

Thanks, the lower unit slid right on after we turned the prop a little bit.

Tom