Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

dmc337

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Looking at a 1984 Wellcraft with 3.0L Mercruiser. Previous owner stated "it stopped going". The outdrive is pulled and when opening up the upper unit cover, noticed the ring and pinion gears have no teeth (although dentures would be a great idea, I need some better ideas). Wondering if gear replacement is a simple task and if anything else could be awaiting me in the rest of the drive. Water pump and impeller are new within the last 3 years and it was supposedly running up until this problem this summer. My understanding of his "statement" is that the engine runs, but the prop wont turn. <br />Would love to hear anyone's opinions, advice or smart comments that might just help me decide if this boat is worth my time. My mechanical ability is moderate and when I can stop cursing at the problem I can usually solve it....perhaps with a bit of assistance from the wife, but it usually gets done.<br />Looked in mercstuff.com but nothing there helps.<br />Thanks in advance!
 

Bondo

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

Wondering if gear replacement is a simple task and if anything else could be awaiting me in the rest of the drive.
No,.... It's Not a Simple Task........<br /><br />Ayuh,....All those Teeth are now Finely Ground Steel,.... That has traveled Thru Every Gear,+ Bearing in that drive,.. <br />From Top to Bottom.......<br />I'll Bet,.... That you'll Salvage the 2 Cases,+ All the Internals are Scrap............<br /><br />At 20+ years old,... The "Rubber" in the Transom Assembley Might need replacing as well.....<br /><br />BTW,........ 3 Years is about a Year or 2 Past Normal Service Life of an Impeller................... ;)
 

Laddies

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

It sounds like the unit was run with low oil or no oil. Its not a big job if you have the special tools, without them it's about impossible ($500/600 for parts and 4hr flat rate labor) All the bearing will be bad, the lower end should be opened and cked. When I am asked I tell everone IN THE WATER RUNNING make sure it's what you want and it preforms right, there are people out there that could lie
 

dmc337

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

I already have an 85 Glassport with the same engine and drive, but the interior of my boad including the floor is in poor condition (soft floors, rotted wood under all seats). Perhaps I should just take my outdrive and put it on the Wellcraft and sell the Glassport for parts? What do you think the hull and trailer are worth in that case on both boats. (I just got ripped off on the glassport last month. paid 1800 and was told that only the one seat and a couple of minor floor spots were bad.....My bad not checking before I handed him the cash, but it was a long drive and I was really tired...)
 

Bondo

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

What do you think the hull and trailer are worth in that case on both boats.
Around Here,...... This time of year,...... You'd be Lucky to get $500./$750. for Either 1 of them...........<br />It would depend on the Trailer.........<br /><br />I'd say you're going to Loose Big Money on the Glassport unless you Part it Out.......<br /><br />Might be a Good Time to become an Ebayer.......... ;)
 

dmc337

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

I am an e-bayer....that's where i got the glassport. :( <br /><br />We intend to wait until spring to list the hull, trailer, parts or whatever on ebay. Just wondering if I am going to really get beat if I buy this wellcraft. He wants $700 for it and the trailer (including the motor and the bad outdrive)
 

Bondo

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

Is the Trailer Worth $700.00 in Your local market,..????<br />If so,..... Buy It.......<br /><br />Unless that Glassport is a Real Eye Catcher,............<br />You might have to deduct the Hull Disposal Fees from the profits of selling it's Parts....................... :D <br /><br />Look the Wellcraft over Alot Closer...........................
 

dmc337

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Re: Alpha One Gen I rebuild question...

Thanks. Perhaps I should just invest the $700 into the Glassport and get a new floor and seats... Appreciate all the help!<br /><br />By the way, we broke our winch on our trailer last weekend trying to pull the boat on. The lake dropped yet another four feet and we cant get the trailer all the way in at a decent angle. We bought an electric winch and will try it this weekend. Any suggestions about "materials" to spray the bunks with to help it glide better? I wish we had rollers, but dont yet.
 
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