Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha I

[Dave88LX]

I'm getting pretty confused on what I exactly need. I have the '89 Regal in my sig with the 3.7L and the Alpha I (not Gen II) outdrive. I have searched and read, and you indicate it would be easiest with the serial number. Well, I can't really make it out. The best I can make it out is 06569080, but I can hardly see the numbers, only at the right angle, and barely. I don't even know if that number is valid. Once I lower the drive and can get closer in, I might have it better. See pic below.

I can see for sure that the water intake hose is deteriorated, as well as the exhaust bellows. I don't know the condition of the main bellow or the one for the linkage, but I want to replace everything while I am in there. I will inspect the gimbal bearing while I am up in there, and if necessary, then buy the parts/tools to get that done. Hopefully the main bellow was in good enough shape to keep water out.

I was told by my dad that it 'needs the water pump done'. I don't know if it will just need an impeller, or the whole WP kit to include the housing. I would almost feel better ordering the whole thing and being confident that everything is good. I don't want to be stuck for a couple days waiting for a $20 part.

I've read on here to use original Merc parts; if that's still accurate, feel free to point me in the right direction. There are so many places and options out there. Every "Mercury Part Number" I find for what I think I need is different.

I'll answer any questions I can to help you help me get the right things.

Thanks in advance.


See...no good.

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

You can see the water line and bellow (bellows?) is shot.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

The OEM Mercruiser transom kit is here: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...0065.png&inbr=2203&bnbr=60&bdesc=BELL+HOUSING This is what it looks like http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=803097T1 You can go with either the exhaust bellows or the tube, the tube being much easier to install. Here is the complete waterpump kit http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=96148A8 46-96148A8 While you are in there you should consider doing the lower shift cable: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=865436A03 That should about cover it. The OEM parts will cost considerably more than the aftermarket stuff but IMHO it is worth it. Have fun.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

Sorry Dave, but 20 bucks ain't gonna go too far, no matter how you the cards.
I would start with Stony's list, the pump kit & exhaust TUBE. Get it running, then move on if the gimbal is noisy, fix it. Atleast your not dumping money all at 1 time. It's going to ad up but your getting things done "one step at a time" as they say!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

One other thing, I know you didn't ask, but you should retorque the gimbal ring clamping screws (the two silver bolts at the top of the gimbal ring) to 55 ft/lb. There are nuts on the back, but you should be able to get a box wrench on them if you turn the outdrive side to side. Much neglected maintenance item that can cost big bucks if the outdrive gets loose and the gimbal ring gets worn out.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

Great point, often neglected! Oil 'em first loosen them more oil & retorque! Dry stainless will fool you.

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

The OEM Mercruiser transom kit is here: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...0065.png&inbr=2203&bnbr=60&bdesc=BELL+HOUSING This is what it looks like http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=803097T1 You can go with either the exhaust bellows or the tube, the tube being much easier to install. Here is the complete waterpump kit http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=96148A8 46-96148A8 While you are in there you should consider doing the lower shift cable: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/showSpecialPicture.asp?pn=865436A03 That should about cover it. The OEM parts will cost considerably more than the aftermarket stuff but IMHO it is worth it. Have fun.

Great, thank you for the links/info! When I get to work I will sit down and look closer at it.

Sorry Dave, but 20 bucks ain't gonna go too far, no matter how you the cards.
I would start with Stony's list, the pump kit & exhaust TUBE. Get it running, then move on if the gimbal is noisy, fix it. Atleast your not dumping money all at 1 time. It's going to ad up but your getting things done "one step at a time" as they say!

Woops, sorry Pete. I didn't mean to imply I only needed $20 to get this going; I meant I didn't want to be held up on the job when I'm in the middle of it because I tried to skimp on a $20 part.

One other thing, I know you didn't ask, but you should retorque the gimbal ring clamping screws (the two silver bolts at the top of the gimbal ring) to 55 ft/lb. There are nuts on the back, but you should be able to get a box wrench on them if you turn the outdrive side to side. Much neglected maintenance item that can cost big bucks if the outdrive gets loose and the gimbal ring gets worn out.

I will look at that too, thank you!

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

I got a closer look today at the outdrive serial number.

Does 0C569480 look more like a proper serial number?

 

[Pete104]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

Yes, that number will get you anything you need for drive & bell housing.
If you ever get into upper sets & so on, you will still need to verify what you have to start with. Don't stress about your not going there.

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

Transom repair kit:

Is the Merc original stuff also better to go with, or does it not matter as much as the water pump does? How does GLM and Sierra compare? Looking up 30-803097T1 , I only see the genuine Merc stuff so far from SternDrives.com for $200 + $35 tax/shipping. iBoats here has the Sierra kit for $126. MercAftermarkets has 'it', but I'm not sure which brand kit, for $84.

Prices all over the place...

Please understand that I understand supporting vendors/sponsors, and will do where I can. Not for an extra $50 on a particular part though. I will get what I can through here to support the site.

 

[Dave88LX]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

I see Don S has made his opinion about this:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=310506&p=2079962&viewfull=1#post2079962

Now, for most things I have to use aftermarket. Would I use aftermarket on my boat.

NOT A SNOW BALLS CHANCE IN HELL!

Leading me to: Where is a good source for OEM Merc stuff?

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Making sure I get all the correct parts (water pump, bellows, hoses etc.) - Alpha

Sometimes you have to Google the part number you're looking for to find sites that handle Merc parts then do some chopping of the part number. For example: If you go to: http://www.mercuryparts-direct.com then plug in part number 803097T1, you'll find it for $172.46 + they're offering a spring special that is free shipping for orders over $100; you qualify for that.
Check around though and if you have a local Merc dealer as some offer discounts if they are part of http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com
while others may take a few days to ship.
Mark