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Hi; I have purchased a 1974 offshore 22 ft i/o; the gear ball is worn and I'm not sure what else is wrong with it. Would it be easier to buy a complete mericruiser drive and engine and replace the whole thing? the tilt/trim isn't working either.
I guess it depends how deep your pockets are.
Ball gears are ~$150 for a set with seals, nuts, covers, O-rings.
Your trim/tilt systems probably just need some attention.
I got my 5.7 stringer new in '84, wanted something newer.
I have recently acquired all the alpha gen 2 parts and am now converting to Merc myself.
not too deep; it's just with labor it's going to be more than 150.00; i can buy a wrecked boat with the engine and drive and a trailer for 400 or best offer; and a lot of people in this forum say you can't get parts or someone to work on the old omc stringer
Parts are not a problem, there's several dealers on the web and a constant stream of bits on eBay.
But you're right about not easily finding a dealership or competent mechanic to work on them. I tried a few places locally when I needed seals replaced, ended up doing it myself. Once you've had it all apart, the next time is easy. And cheap.
Cup & cone bearing, seals are ? price from a bearing supply place as compared to an OMC dealer. Same parts, LOTS of markup.
