Can I replace an alpha 1 gen I with an alpha 1 gen II?

[ChronoFish]

The Alpha 1 Gen I on my project boat is connected to a mercruiser 3.0. The body of the lower unit is in pretty bad shape. I have reason to believe the rest is salvageable without a huge investment (i.e. I assume that I'll be replacing the water pump, repacking with grease, replacing the anodes, and the position indicators, and maybe the baffles as well)

I'm weighing my options including

• purchasing a used/refurbished lower unit
• purchasing a new lower unit body
• replace the entire outdrive

If I go this last route (replacing the entire outdrive), is there any reason not to upgrade to an alpha 1 gen II outdrive? Not that I would look to do this specifically, just weighing my options vs what's available in my area and price range (I would be looking for one with a gear ratio that is 1.94 - 2 which isn't the most plentiful)

To this end, does replacing the lower unit require a huge investment in specialized tools? I think that's the biggest drawback from doing just the lower unit body - am I wrong?

Thanks!
CF

 

[harringtondav]

This is over my head for solid advice. @achris and other forum gray beards can give you the scoop. But Alpha I to Alpha II conversions are possible, with some effort.

 

[achris]

Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II are NOT interchangeable. If you want an Alpha One Gen II, you need to replace the entire gimbal housing and inner transom plate.

Chris....

 

[ChronoFish]

Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II are NOT interchangeable. If you want an Alpha One Gen II, you need to replace the entire gimbal housing and inner transom plate.

Chris....

Ok so probably not something I'd want to do unless I'm rebuilding the transom... but it's at least doable as long as I replace all hardware.

Can you offer guidance on replacing the lower unit vs just the lower unit body (the outer shell and keeping the guts)? I'm guessing replacing the shell and trying to preserve the innards will require a large investment in specialized tools ... is this true?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Ok so probably not something I'd want to do unless I'm rebuilding the transom... but it's at least doable as long as I replace all hardware.

Can you offer guidance on replacing the lower unit vs just the lower unit body (the outer shell and keeping the guts)? I'm guessing replacing the shell and trying to preserve the innards will require a large investment in specialized tools ... is this true?

Tools cost more than the drive new. So yeah. Check out SEI. Used to carry them at iBoats, I think they discontinued.