Help with Outdrive Identification

[jcollinson]

Hey guys,

Been redoing my boat and didnt have much time today, but thought I would start to take off my outdrive since my bellows are shot. I was under the impression that this was a Pre Alpha outdrive, but when looking closely, it seems that the upper gear case may have been added at a later date, since it doesnt seem to fit very well when looking at the fit to the housing.

Can anybody tell me what this is? I need to order my bellows, but wanna make sure I have the right one and what im dealing with.

The upper gear says 888 on it if that helps.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Help with Outdrive Identification

looks to me like a mc-1 upper. ya don't show the lower.
go here to check out the alpha1 id facts.
mercstuff.com has some id info too. under 'how do i'.

why it's painted or primed red, i don't know, usually there black.

why don't if fit so well. best i know, mc-1 through alpha1 are interchangeable for uppers and lowers.

serial numbers tell a lot too.

service manual info can be found here. a wealth of info in a service manual.

 

[jcollinson]

Re: Help with Outdrive Identification

Ive checked those out and didnt really give a definite answer. I could see a little opening where its supposed to be sealed which why I wondered about fitting. Its rusty brown, probably look better red though HA! jk

The serial on the housing is 6879494

 

[Don S]

Re: Help with Outdrive Identification

If the upper says 888 on it, then it was originally on a Mercruiser 888 engine. Which is a Ford 302, used from 71 to 77.
The words "Pre Alpha" are meaningless. Your drive is a MC-1 drive, commonly referred to as a one drive. Pre Alpha means any drive built before 86, including the 0, TR, II and III drives.
If you look in that ID & History link ziggy posted. you will see how they were named and ID.