Alpha 1 Outdrive oil

[Flukinicehole]

I have a 89 24ft. Mark Twain walkaround with a pretty fresh 1970 lt1 350 (it is a heavy boat 4500 dry weight). I have used this set up for about 4-5 years with out a problem. Runs great and I always take care of her. Since I moved I dont get to use it as much so it sits alot. I still do all the maintenence and this is the first year I ever had a problem. Since I put this thing together I always used Klotz in the drive. The marine mechanic I used to confer with swore by this stuff and who was I to question him. I have a Alpha 1 drive and replaced the water pump and oil this year even though it was only a year old and used maybe 10 hrs last year. No one around here had Klotz so I went with the Mercruiser Performance outdrive oil. Well my drive went kaboom. I dont hammer the throttle or anything like that. I know the drives wear so it could be that. But my question is has anyone had a bad experience with the mercruiser oil in the past? I will be putting another drive on this weekend and would just like a little peace o mind. I will be using the boat more now and dont want to get stuck 10 miles offshore in Janurary.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Outdrive oil

I doubt the Merc Hi Performance gear lube was the problem. That stuff is used in all Merc outboards and IO's and has been for years.
I think you just had a case of bad timing. It probably would have blown even if you were still using the Klotz.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Alpha 1 Outdrive oil

Thats what I figured Don thanks. I'm sure you know how it is when you try something new and have a bad experience. I always have a hard time switching from something that works for me. I will give it another shot.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Outdrive oil

Ayuh,... I'd figure it's coincidence too...

I run Mobil 1, 75W-90 in mine...
It's Syn-oil like the Merc stuff, without the pretty Color...