Leg identification needed

[Nijkampr]

Hello all,

I wanted to get a second+ opinion on what leg is currently attached to my boat. I recently purchased this boat.
Based on this website https://plus22.safe-order.net/mercstuff/drive_id.htm I am sure the top of the leg is an MC-1 unit. However, because of the squared off cavitation plate, I wasn't sure if the lower component was replaced at some point with an alpha one unit.

I want to change the impeller at the end of the season so I want to make sure I order the correct parts.

Thanks in advance!
Rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Leg identification needed

Stop messing with that useless site. Try this link.
Miscellaneous Mercruiser Information?/ 329915

 

[achris]

Re: Leg identification needed

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR

NO SUCH THING AS A PRE-ALPHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read this tread -> http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ve-needs-help-go-down-597987.html#post4160821

You have an MC-1 upper (Drive-shaft housing) and either an R, MR or Alpha One lower (Gear housing). The way to determine which gear housing you have is to drop the gear housing and see if you have a spring loaded pin on the top of the lower drive-shaft. If you have, it's an R. No pin, it's an MR/Alpha One. And you need to know which gear housing you have in order to get the right spares when you do the water pump.

Chris.........

 

[Nijkampr]

Re: Leg identification needed

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR

NO SUCH THING AS A PRE-ALPHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LMAO!
I noticed the same after reading through the links that Don provided. I have updated my original post. I completely agree and I don't want to perpetuate mislabeling this component.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping that I could order the parts before draining the oil and splitting the unit but it sounds like my only option.

 

[Nijkampr]

Re: Leg identification needed

You have an MC-1 upper (Drive-shaft housing) and either an R, MR or Alpha One lower (Gear housing). The way to determine which gear housing you have is to drop the gear housing and see if you have a spring loaded pin on the top of the lower drive-shaft. If you have, it's an R. No pin, it's an MR/Alpha One. And you need to know which gear housing you have in order to get the right spares when you do the water pump.

Chris.........

I found this kit on ebay Mercruiser Alpha Mr R MC 1 Impeller Kit Replaces Mercury 47 89984Q5 18 3217 | eBay which claims to be compatible with Alpha, MR, and R units. Based on your post, I didn't believe this to be possible. Is this kit real or could it perhaps contain all the parts for the different legs?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[achris]

Re: Leg identification needed

That kit does cover all the drives it claims to. What's not included in that kit is the water pump base. That's what is different between the drives. For that, you need to split the drive... And as cheap as that kit is... most of us here would recommend you go genuine for such a critical component... Saving a few dollars at this end may well cost you a few thousands in repairs when the cheapo impeller fails.

Also not in that kit is the water pump housing. If you have any damage it, you need to replace it.

My suggestion (and I doubt anybody here would disagree) is to pull the drive, split it and access what parts you need, THEN go buying them. Try it the other way 'round and you'll end up either buying parts you don't need, or having to buy additional parts (some only available in kits) and doubling up... Or paying more than you need for individual parts that are available in kits much cheaper (but would mean getting parts you already have)....

Chris.......

 

[Nijkampr]

Re: Leg identification needed

Thanks Chris,
I will do just that. Is there is an online store you recommend using?
Or should I bring the required parts to a local marine shop for replacement?
Thanks again,
Rob

 

[achris]

Re: Leg identification needed

Any on-line selling genuine Merc parts, I use Mercury Mercruiser engines and parts, but there are plenty more. If you prefer the face-to-face thing, sure a Merc dealer will be able to help you out...

Chris.........