Broke my alpha one yesterday on my test run looking for info parts and manuals

skinny1965

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
148
so i got the boat out yesterday first run after transom rebuild and first run for me in this boat

all seemed good till I heard a bit of a squeal then the motor slowed and stopped it acted like it was hot
in the end it looks like the top bearing in my alpha one decided it had had enough and took out the top housing to

now I'm after parts in Canada or super cheap from US also manuals

and thirdly is this area sealed from the lower end as in could I flush this area out and reload a bearing and the top and go or will I be looking at complete disassembly
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
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Apr 22, 2009
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The cost of tools and parts is generally more than the cost of a new drive...and certainly more than the cost of a used one. And no, the top and bottom halves are not separated.
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
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so i got the boat out yesterday first run after transom rebuild and first run for me in this boat

all seemed good till I heard a bit of a squeal then the motor slowed and stopped it acted like it was hot
in the end it looks like the top bearing in my alpha one decided it had had enough and took out the top housing to

now I'm after parts in Canada or super cheap from US also manuals

and thirdly is this area sealed from the lower end as in could I flush this area out and reload a bearing and the top and go or will I be looking at complete disassembly


Have a look here at the SEI drives. Their made in Canada and most folks are using them over Mercruiser

http://www.sterndrive.cc/Alpha-One-Gen-I.html
 
Last edited:

flipbro

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Feb 8, 2013
Messages
830
I believe SEI is out of Florida! But yes way cheaper then a rebuild unless you have all the special tools. How much damage was done ? Did it destroy the entire upper?
 

ktbarrentine

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Dec 12, 2011
Messages
1,296
+1....
SEI's outdrives are assembled at their factory in Clearwater, Florida. The parts come directly from suppliers around the world made to SEI's exact and precise specifications (gears made in Asia using special alloys.
the 4820 steel alloy used is a rather unique alloy. There are Japanese alloys that are similar, but none of them have the hardness and durability features that are needed for the SEI gears). As for quality, SEI's outdrives are thoroughly tested for both performance and endurance. SEI operates one of the world's only research lakes dedicated to the testing of marine propulsion systems.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
+1....
SEI's outdrives are assembled at their factory in Clearwater, Florida. The parts come directly from suppliers around the world made to SEI's exact and precise specifications (gears made in Asia using special alloys.
the 4820 steel alloy used is a rather unique alloy. There are Japanese alloys that are similar, but none of them have the hardness and durability features that are needed for the SEI gears). As for quality, SEI's outdrives are thoroughly tested for both performance and endurance. SEI operates one of the world's only research lakes dedicated to the testing of marine propulsion systems.

KT, Didn't realise you worked for SEI.... :D ;)
 

skinny1965

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
148
well it is looking like the top bearing exploded taking out the bearing cap then the metal has gone into the double bearing
So now not really sure what I'm going to do
I have used up most of my boat fund when I did the transom
 

skinny1965

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
148
I'm still thinking of rebuilding mine due to costs I'm trying to locate someone in my area that might be willing to set the shims up on the unit as I am pretty close to the lake here and a few marinas I think i can find someone that is willing to do a evening job
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Just the purchase of new gears and bearings will likely be more than a new SEI...
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,786
As already mentioned, don't bother with a rebuild. It'll be cheaper/close with SEI, you'll get a brand new drive with warranty. If you're worried about cost, keep your eye out on craigslist for a used one. You can find them around here easy for $400 (there's one near me asking $300 right now). I've bought 2 units in the last 6 years for $200 and $150 including props. Both are still running fine.
 
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