Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

[skloczko]

Hi, I recently bought a 1977 Sea Ray 245 Weekender. Chevy 350 5.7L (not original 350 - built for boat 4 years ago I was told - seems to check out). Alpha 1 Sterndrive...I believe is also newer. Using a Selco manual I was able to locate and partially identify the serial numbers on the sterndrive. The "transom serial number" I was able to make out 6428068 - this number was very hard to read but I think this is pretty accurate. The "stern drive serial number" on the port side of the drive read 00770007 - this number I was able to make out fairly clearly.

Is there any way to tell for sure if these numbers are correct, or is there some other way to find out these serial numbers? Also, the 00770007 number I could not find in any range of serial numbers on any website....

Also, there seems to be gear oil leaking into the hull from the stern drive - none is leaking outside. Simple gasket leak?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

You have a Mercruiser One drive. You can download a service manual for that engine and outdrive from the link below. You want manual #2.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251571

there seems to be gear oil leaking into the hull from the stern drive - none is leaking outside. Simple gasket leak?

The input shaft seal of the outdrive is leaking, usually because of a groove or rust on the input shaft yoke. Causing the oil to leak out of the drive and into the ujoint bellows. When then goes into the bilge through a weep hole in the transom shield.

 

[skloczko]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

Thanks a bunch Don! However, I am having trouble opening that link to manual # 2; I cant open any of the other manuals either...tried on 2 different computers - any other links you may have?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

Regarding those links - the manuals are large (note its 1 gig for #2) and the site can be slow. It is best to right click, save as, then let it do its thing!

I would ask how you know it is drive lube leaking into the bilge? What Don mentions about it leaking into the bellows and then down the weep hole into the boat is certainly a possiblity... but might it be your trim pump leaking? It would be a LOT of oil leaking into the bellows area in order for it to leak into the boat. It's time to pull the drive and see. Here's a pic of the vent hole in an alpha - I believe it is in the same location for your one drive as well...

 

[skloczko]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

Well I havent taken the boat out at all in the past 2 weeks. I topped off the gear lube 2 weeks ago and have only run it for maybe 15 minutes using muffs since then. I noticed the blue oil in the bottom there and the gear oil level was down 12 oz. It looks and smells just like the stuff I put in, so I assumed it was so.

On a side note, how much water should be spitting out when I am idling with the muffs on. And how much should spit out the side of the muffs?

Thanks!

 

[skloczko]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

Good call on the link by the way, I didnt realize it took that long! Thanks!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Identification???

Well I havent taken the boat out at all in the past 2 weeks. I topped off the gear lube 2 weeks ago and have only run it for maybe 15 minutes using muffs since then. I noticed the blue oil in the bottom there and the gear oil level was down 12 oz. It looks and smells just like the stuff I put in, so I assumed it was so.

Yep - that's gear lube. That's a MAJOR leak.