Help me understand serial number on 2nd Gen Alpha

[wcpeabody]

Hi everyone,

This is my first nooby post We just bought a 2004 bayliner deckboat. It has a known leak in the stern and I bought it planning on replacing the upper and lower unit.

Does this tag say:
Alpaha 2
1.62 ratio "counter"

Thanks in advance,
Bill

 

[Don S]

Re: Help me understand serial number on 2nd Gen Alpha

That is not a serial number tag. The serial number is stamped into the ports side of the upper in the decal area.

Why do you want to replace the drive because of a leak? Most Alpha I Gen II gear lube leaks are easily repairable by the owner. But first, you have to remove the drive, drain the gear lube, then do a pressure test to find out where the leak is.
Are you getting water into the drive, or just loosing gear lube?

 

[wcpeabody]

Re: Help me understand serial number on 2nd Gen Alpha

Thanks for the reply and the tip on where the serial number is.

The has been water found in the stern drive oil. There was an estimate from a shop given to the original owner to repair the drive was around $1700.

My main driver with going with a replacement as it is replacing it is a known quantity and I think it would reduce the amount of amount of hours I would need to complete the project. I am fairly mechanical, replace heads, clutches, turbo's etc on cars but it is not my hobby.

I also feel that the boat is 8 years old and it might be a good time to put a new drive on it.

Thanks
Bill

 

[achris]

Re: Help me understand serial number on 2nd Gen Alpha

...I also feel that the boat is 8 years old and it might be a good time to put a new drive on it....

WHAT!!! A well maintained drive will outlast the engine... The drive on my previous engine (in a friends' boat) is 18 years old and still looks like the day I bought it, inside and out... Just the right oil (Quicksilver High Performance Gear lube), changed every 3 years, and any seals that start leaking replaced quickly (you pick that by watching the gear oil monitor that's mounted on the engine)... I've done just the front seal on that drive.

I understand you're replacing because of water intrusion, and if that's not sorted quick gears and bearings are shot, but don't budget only 8 years on a drive.... :facepalm: The manufacturers would love you!!!!

EDIT: you can get a brand new SEI drive for about $1499 (with 3 year warranty).... here on iBoats.... So why spend $1700 (and get no warranty!)

 

[wcpeabody]

Re: Help me understand serial number on 2nd Gen Alpha

EDIT: you can get a brand new SEI drive for about $1499 (with 3 year warranty).... here on iBoats.... So why spend $1700 (and get no warranty!)

That is exactly why I am planning on just replacing it

It is good to hear that you believe stern drives are more durable then my original thoughts.

Thanks
Bill