Hey guys,, was out last weekend on my Cobalt Condurre 269 with twin 350's backed by alpha drives. I was easing out of the hole and something made a bad squealing sound and then the right side motor revved freely. It didn't over rev but I have no power to the prop at all. I thought it was a spun hub but got a different prop and still the same thing. You can still put the drive in gear but no power gets transferred to the prop. I pulled the gear oil plug and the lube looks nice and green and is very clean (just serviced last fall) No signs of water or moisture and no signs of metal shavings. So I pulled the top plug and looked in the hole as I turned the propeller and the shaft is turning at the top of the drive. So I figure I busted either a u-joint or the top gear in the drive? Can you guys help me figure out what I busted? I'm ready to pull out my tools and tear into this myself. I'm not a boat mechanic but I have rebuilt car engines, lawn mower engines, etc. etc. What would I need to fix this myself. Thanks.

I'm guessing spun engine coupler

Sounds like a coupler.

99% its the coupler....guess you get to pull the engine

How often does this happen???

Not sure I have a place to pull the engines. Called one place they said roughly 2600 for one side and an additional 1700 for the other. Is that pretty much par for the course.

Should I look into other parts as well? Like Gimbals, shift cables , U joints etc.

What about the other side,, I'm guessing its best to do it as well. With both motors out shouldn't I look at rebuilding the starters and check ,, water pumps, hoses etc. etc.

I guess my summer is done because while I think I can do this, I first have to find some way to remove the motors.

If you have a place to do the work and have some help..YOU can do it. Most rental centers in large cities carry an item known as a "Tip and Tow."

This thing has a tow set up with wheels so you can tow it behind a vehicle. It has a 10 foot reach which is great for boats. The boom is hydraulic and it is easy to use...just don't try it by yourself...it's dangerous.

A 350 Alpha set up has 4: bolts that hold it in...2: at the rear and the 2: at the motor mount/stringer. It goes like this:

1. Kill the batteries.
2. Disconnect fuel lines, throttle linkage.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness plug.
4. Remove the drive.
5. Remove 2: large bolts at the bell housing/transom assembly.
6. Remove 2: bolts at engine mounts.
7. Connect hoist and lift engine ...move away from boat.
8. Place engine assembly on pre-built stand on floor.

At the end of the day it's simple...just plan your moves.

Based on my current experience...I say change both starters while you have the engines out...especially the starboard engine. I's a MO FO to change in the boat.

Get good help with this and you'll do well.

$2600. to pull an engine replace a coupler and put it back in? WTF! The guy is Kidding right? Make sure he kisses you after the "F'in" hes givin you. $1500. for one side including the coupler. It's a one day job tops for any shop worth their weight.

If you can't find one of those hoists, any tow truck with a boom can yank it out for you and drop it back in maybe $75. each pull?

find a nice big tree get a good come-along and a nice chain..... pull that motor the hillbilly way