Mercruiser outdrive tool

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The drive shaft on a Mercruiser alpha 1 is held in by a large castle nut.  A special tool via Mercruiser ($$) or aftermarket is available to remove and reinstall the nut.  Not wanting to pay the high price at the marina, or wait to have one shipped, I decided to make one.The circular part was cut from a 6” diameter steel rod.  I cut off a section in the bandsaw, put it in the lathe and bored it to clear the yoke.  Next, into the mill and cut the teeth to engage the castle nut.  Finally I welded the handle to the circular part.  It works flawlessly.The weld was made with a Hobart Tigmate, don’t remember the welder settings, 15cfm argon flow, 3/32 red tungsten.  Root pass followed by a stitch pass.After all the work, it would have been more cost effective to buy the aftermarket tool, but I needed it now and it was a fun project.Ryan Attached Images"I heard that!!"
Reply:Originally Posted by G1K...After all the work, it would have been more cost effective to buy the aftermarket tool, but I needed it now and it was a fun project....
Reply:I do so love special tools!
Reply:I like it.  I ended up buying the Merc tool myself.  Next, I want to see the 15 inch pound torque wrench that you're going to make.  Rene
Reply:Denrep,I like the alternative method, I'll have to file that one away.  No skiing for me anymore, I just put along the Erie canal.Rene,The 15 in-lb one to set the rolling torque on the yoke bearings?  Fortunately I have a nice dial one, didn't need to make it R"I heard that!!"