Alpha 1 and Engine Driven Pump

[Roman S]

Hi, I have a 2010 Marine Power EFI 5.7L S/B v8. My outdrive is an alpha 1, actually the replacement made by SEI. What I want to do is used a full closed cooling system. However, most full closed cooling systems are made for use with an engine driven pump to draw water from the outdrive or other source. Is there any way to remove the impellor on a Alpha one and let the engine driven pump do the work instead? Or could both be used? When I speak of engine driven pump I mean a the separate pump that would draw water from the outdrive, like in a bravo setup, and not the main water pump on the on the block. Thanks Roman

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 and Engine Driven Pump

Do you already have the engine mounted pump? I had a similar set up, and here is what I did after consulting with Mercruiser directly:

I put in an inch and a quarter thru hull pick up and added a sea strainer.

I left the impeller in the outdrive, but instead of supplying the engine, I simply routed it back out the transom with a fitting. I had intentions of installing a two way valve in the hose so that I could have a built in wash down... but never did.

Mercruiser recommends leaving the pump in the outdrive to help cool it. I could have cut the hose in the transom assembly and block off the port into the boat - just let it splash against the transom, but did not. Either way would work.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 and Engine Driven Pump

Here's a pic of the through hull fitting - sea **** - and strainer. To flush the engine, I just have to put a hose in the strainer as shown - AND - muffs on the outdrive to keep that impeller from burning.

 

[Roman S]

Re: Alpha 1 and Engine Driven Pump

Thanks for the reply. So all of the cooling water you use is coming through the seacock and strainer? Did they say anything about using both water sources? Thanks again Roman

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha 1 and Engine Driven Pump

Both is not only unnecessary, it probably would not work.