Mercruiser drive is shot any suggestions? donors?

McGillicuddy · #1 04-06-2011, 01:00 AM

Took the 21 in for assessment because it was dripping gear lube through the upper housing and am told its gonna need a do-over.

It's an original type 1966 Mercruiser 1-C sterndrive and it served somebody exceptionally well...I knew it was a matter of time but had hoped to run her a few times before having to ante-up.

Should I have it rebuilt (about $1500), or find an Alpha 1 and modernize (about $3K). Any thoughts on the Sterndrive Engineering Inc products or finding a used unit, Seem to be tons of alphas on ebay, cl, etc. for under a grand...

I wasn't expecting this so if anyone has some thought on the best way to go I'm open for suggestions...

Islandtrader · #2 04-06-2011, 08:46 AM

Ouch!

Maybe the question should also be asked over on "Offshore Only" they seem to be tuned in to all the stern drive stuff.

jorgeinmiami · #3 04-06-2011, 09:53 AM

several on craigs list south florida less than the 3k you mentioned

bigeasy1 · #4 04-06-2011, 10:54 AM

Gille,
why spend the money to fix an outdated drive? You might be better off replacing it with an updated more recent model than to pour a lot of money into the old one.

I have an Alpha drive on my Tsunami,and when it comes time to replace it I'm going to go wth a Sterndrive Engineering replacement.
On the great lakes where I fish,outdrives are extemely common,and several guys have told me they love their SEI units.
Granted their parts are probably made in some other country,but they have a 3 yr warranty and I hear more good than bad about them.
Heck the replacement parts alone from Mercruiser would cost more then a new drive from SEI.

BTW,if you decide to install a new one,I have a Mercruiser cut out pattern that you can have if needed.

bobbert · #5 04-06-2011, 11:46 AM

Good luck one the 21. Was posted a couple of months ago. Are you in Calif??? Did you see any more 21's out there??
As far as stern drive. A alpha gen 1 should slide right in. New sterndrive solutions units get by and large good reviews. Just remember max HP 300, and make sure you order the correct ratio for engine.
You also might want to look into Mercruiser take offs which are new units with cosmetic flaws, and carry new warranties.
Send us some pics and good luck, you lucky guy.

Fr. Frank · #6 04-06-2011, 01:53 PM

I agree with John, Gillie. Go with the SEI unit. I know my favorite marine repair place is using them for many of their customers with older Mercruisers, and they seem to be great.

Whatever you buy, make sure you get the right gear ratio!

McGillicuddy · #7 04-07-2011, 12:45 AM

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I love to salvage good old things but I think it's kind of questionable to rebuild a 40+ y.o. 1st generation stern-drive.

Shop owner kind of concurred and suggested that for about $3000 we bring the drive into the new millennium with a new or recent Alpha 1. I was thinking I could find a lightly used Alpha for 800 bucks and then I brought up the SEI idea. Much to my surprise he down-talked the idea even though he's a dealer for them. He said if it were a smaller 4 cylinder type runabout SEI would be fine but because this was a bigger heavier boat it might be problematic.

I've read only one "valid" complaint against SEI drives and the guy said it on a heavy deep-vee boat with a single 250. If an oem drive of the same gearing has lasted 40+ years on this rig, how much damage can this hull really do to a modern "equivalent" drive. Was that first Merc really that good? Or just properly cared for?

old fielder - this is the only Moesly 21 I know of out here, although it wouldn't surprise me to find some others as there are a lot of transplant boaters out west. I'm only aware of 4 in FL and 1 in HI. I found this one on the west end of Lake Erie Last fall and had a guy tow it out.

oldfielder · #8 04-07-2011, 08:28 AM

These are many Alphas oBut there for sure. The key is just finding the right one that has been handled well. There is a guy here on Long Island who rebuilds and resells the alphas and usually sells them for around 700. I would be more apt to buy a used one from an expert who has torn it down than someone who has had it sitting around Do the bolt patterns match up with your t-assembly and an Alpha?
My favorite source for info(other than a couple of guys here) is boatered forums. There are some really knowledgeable and helpful guys over there with the I/o 's

McGillicuddy · #9 04-11-2011, 12:32 AM

I called SEI only to learn their Alpha 1 replacement is not a bolt on proposition in the case of my type 1-C drive. Same thing with a used Alpha 1. It requires moving the engine in order to update the transom assembly. While its probably not that big of a deal, its quite a bit more costly than pulling the old drive and having the upper and lower units resealed. Especially since I'm not ready to go at it myself. Any ideas what a job like that should cost. Seal kits themselves added up to more than $150.

The stern-drive was full of water, but hopefully resealing the upper and lower will salvage this season and maybe get me another.

If this doesn't pan out I'll be bummed and have to consider plan B which will be to pull the motor and revisit the transom and transom assembly. I guess the good news is that parts are still available.

The drive ratio is 1.65 to 1.
Is that a good thing for this Chevy L6 set up?