considering buying a new lower unit

[checkmate]

I recently hit something with my Alpha 1 gen 1 drive. It put a hole in the case near the oil fill screw about the size of a half dollar. after the tow, I tried to put it in gear with the engine running and the prop would not turn in forward or reverse. I pulled off the lower half and the shaft is smooth, shouldnt there be a keyway or spine? I know that the lower is a goner but how can I tell if the upper was affected? I pulled off the top and the gears seemed fine.

[Tech Support]

The top of the lower's driveshaft is splined where it goes into the upper. You might have sheared it off. Check to see if the top is stuck in the splines of the upper gear. If you can remove the piece the upper MAY be OK but it sounds like it took a big hit.

Tech Support