Mercruiser Alpha One repair

[klaucke]

Unless you're doing a complete ground up restoration and everything is going to be "perfect," why not use a used powertrain. They really are extremely simple. I had never been into one *at all* before I tackled my project. I took a seized 2.5 out of a junk boat, and put it in my SeaCraft. I had to drill 2 new holes in the transom for the Alpha One instead of the original I/O. A new front engine mount was also needed. It was very little work to install the gimball housing and gimball plate. The motor literally bolts right in (an engine hoist helps).

I just think you could save a lot of money using a used powertrain, that could be very reliable and cost effective. You can take the whole powertrain out in a couple hours (really), and then you will have a good handle on how to assemble it in your boat. You could do it all without even draining any oil!

6k seems like a LOT of money for what you really get (not much). I have less than $500 into my current powertrain AND spare. It seems easy enough to buy a running older boat and steal the powertrain. Again, I had zero prior experience w/ this stuff.

[Lenny]

Normally I would use/rebuild what I have now but the block is kucka corrosion, the outdrive came in 2 pieces so there is obviously something wrong with it and I want Fresh water cooling. My plan is to make this boat better than new and get new reliability, the last thing I want to do after laboring all winter on this boat is to have engine outdrive problems in a short amount of time from splashing!! Don't get me wrong I have all the intentions of maintaining this boat, I just don't want to be wrenching on the thing, Fishing is the plan I am going to have someone look at the outdrive and that will dictate my next move. And I pretty much dissasembled every piece on the drivetrain so I have a pretty good idea what makes these things tick

[Bigshrimpin]

Found this online . . . I have no idea if these guys are any good, but they might be worth a call. They have a new Alpha one upper and lower for $1500.

http://www.seaboardmarina.com/sterndrive/

[ScottM]

want2fish,
I hear what you're saying about doing it right the first time. A guy at my father's marina repowered with a brand new engine 2 seasons ago and left the original early '70s OMC outdrive in place. Needless to say, he was off the water right away to repair that ratty old OD after splashing and has had trouble ever since. His reason for keeping it was due to the cutout difference between the OMC and new Merc ODs (he didn't want to do transom work). I bet he's wishing he did it 2 years ago.

[Bigshrimpin]

http://www.sterndrive.cc/se106-sterndrive/se106.htm

I see these advertised all over the place. They come with a one year warrany for $1195.

[nestorpr]

Basicpower.com also has great prices and deals.