alpha 1 replace alpha 2

[phillyfan]

Is it possible to replace an alpha 1 gen 2 with an alpha 1 gen 1?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

Is it possible to replace an alpha 1 gen 2 with an alpha 1 gen 1?

Not unless you replace EVERYTHING - new transom assembly, etc.

Oh yeah - welcome aboard!

 

[180shabah]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

As mentioned above, they are not interchangeable.

Give us a little background, what are you trying to accomplish?

 

[phillyfan]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

1st time boat owner, by the way.

I got a good deal on an 07 stingray 185lx at a repo lot. Put about 15 hours on it before the outdrive started leaking lube oil. Mechanic replaced all seals still leaking.

Tells me he has a gen 1 he can replace it with, only difference is there is no need for lube monitor bottle. I say ok do it (not knowing you can't simply swap them out).

Put about 4 hours on it before it completely stopped shifting gears.

Seeing the posts above, I don't know how much he replaced (transom, etc).

The drive is under warranty and he wants me to bring it in. If he screws up the drive trying to jerry-rig it to my boat that's one thing. But could anything with the actual engine be screwed up by this?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

It would be interesting to see what he actually did... but you cannot bolt an alpha to a gen 2 transom assembly. Even without the lube reservoir.

You can buy a brand new aftermarket replacement for not too much money:
Sterndrive Engineering

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

I think you need to find a new mechanic. If the one you have thinks he can make that swap, he's not worth having.
First thing you have to do is find the leak. Remove the drive, drain the oil and pressure check the drive. It should hold 10 to 15 psi.
If not, spray all the seal areas with soapy water. The leak will start bubbling.
Merc even recommends sticking the drive in a tub of water to find where the bubbles come from.

 

[phillyfan]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

Dropped it off at the place this morning. Waiting to hear what the "problem" is.

Worst case scenario: what could I realistically sell it for being straight up with people that it needs a new outdrive? Assuming someone is crazy enough to do that.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

... being straight up with people that it needs a new outdrive? Assuming someone is crazy enough to do that.

Like Real Estate - every local market is different, so I cannot comment on what you could sell your boat for. But it certainly isn't crazy to buy a newer boat that simply needs an outdrive. Did you check out the link I gave? You can buy a brand new aftermarket outdrive for not too much money. Someone who can do the work themselves would be glad to get a boat in good condition minus an outdrive.

 

[phillyfan]

Re: alpha 1 replace alpha 2

Yep, checked it out, prices not bad at all. Thanks for the info.