Concerns about '93 Mercruiser 350 Magnum/Alpha I drive.

[Thad]

My buddy bought a 1993 Crownline 196 with the 350 Magnum 4bbl/Alpha I drive. I still have the big service manual from my '87 Mercruiser. The book says 1986 thru 1992. I did not look at the copywrite, it could just have been printed in '92.

So question #1 is, are they the same unit for the two years.

Also, any tips on replacing the gimbal? I did my Volvo Penta last year by myself, piece of cake. But the local mechanic said these older mercs (if the bearing is original...which seller said it is) are a pain in the rear. Also, he said the bearing was a two piece unit, replaced by a single? Just wondering if this is something we should tackle or leave to the pros.

Last question...for now. Is/was this a good set up from Merc? Any quirks I should be looking for?


Thanks, Thad

 

[Don S]

Re: Concerns about '93 Mercruiser 350 Magnum/Alpha I drive.

Don't expect the year of the engine to be the same as the boat. Model years change at different times for boats and engines.
Best to get the mercruiser SN off the engine to find exactly what year it is.
The manuals go for a certain SN range, not boat years.

It's a 350 Chevy, one of the most used V8 engines in the marine industry.

But the local mechanic said these older mercs (if the bearing is original...which seller said it is) are a pain in the rear.

Have no clue what he is referring to. They all mount the same way, and the bearings are basically the same from 87 through 93.

Also, any tips on replacing the gimbal?

Gimbal what ????? Housing, ring, or bearing ?

Also, he said the bearing was a two piece unit, replaced by a single?

All gimbal bearings from the 80's to now are 2 piece.

One note:
Alpha I drives were used in 87, in 91 they were replaced with the Alpha I Gen II

Sounds to me like your local mechanic isn't really up to date on what is what. Be careful with his info, he sounds like he is trying to scare you away from working on your own boat.