outdrive help needed

[bigbroncoxlt]

I have searched the net, this site and exhausted and confuzed myself. Here is what I have.

1988 Sea Sprite with a mercruiser 2.5L and an alpha one outdrive. I bought the boat as a project and have since had alot of fun with it. As soon as I got everything together on this I knew the outdrive had some internal issues. It was noisy inside the gearcase. When I got the boat the lower unit had been damaged and I am guessing this resulted in the upper unit being run without oil at one point or another.

To make a long story short. the upper input seal is now leaking. I am wanting to find a good used drive to have inspected and resealed to put on my boat. I know the gear ratio is 1.94 and its a standard rotation.

What complete upper and lowers will work on my gimble housing? Was 1983-1990 the only years for the alpha one gen ones? I've heard that pre 83's would work, but can not verrify that and don't really want to put a unit that old on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a picture of my boat. Its been alot of work and fun, and I hope to have alot more in the future.

 

[stinger222]

Re: outdrive help needed

www.sterndrive.cc $1200 gets you a complete upper/lower unit, 3 yr warranty...can't beat it. why mess around with a used one that might leak or give out after 2 outings on the lake.

 

[bigbroncoxlt]

Re: outdrive help needed

Might have to look into that. $1200.00 is more than I have invested in the whole boat to date. That includes fiberglass work and a new transom, bellows..so on. So thats why I'm trying to not go broke while fixin it.

 

[stinger222]

Re: outdrive help needed

No selling on forums.

 

[JustJason]

Re: outdrive help needed

No selling in the forums stinger222.

Any offers like that should be done through private message, and not in the public.

 

[bigbroncoxlt]

Re: outdrive help needed

thanks for the offer. Im really looking to replace the whole darn thing. When my bellows got a hole in it I ended up with some water in the drive, which caused the driveshaft to rust and made the seal leak. The lower should still be ok, but like I said. Id like to replace the whole unit.

So, what years will work?

 

[bigbroncoxlt]

Re: outdrive help needed

Anybody??

 

[Bondo]

Re: outdrive help needed

So, what years will work?

Ayuh,....

1983 to 1990.....

Earlier drives will also work, but the Input shaft might have to be changed because of the change in lengths....

 

[bigbroncoxlt]

Re: outdrive help needed

Thanks Bond-0

Is there any major disadvantages to using an older drive?

 

[Bondo]

Re: outdrive help needed

Ayuh,.... Not Really.....

The Mod.1s are the Same outdrive with a bearing preloaded a different way....
And,.... The Alpha/ MR/ R drives have alittle bit more meat in the cases,...
But they're All still good to 300hp or so....

Matter of Fact,....
I've got an old mod.1 on My boat right now,.....1 of 4 I've been Playing with,...
2 Alpha 1s,+ 2 old Mod.1s.....

 

[bigbroncoxlt]

Re: outdrive help needed

Awesome! Thanks for the info Again. I've been searchin craigslist and e-bay. Found alot, but most are overpriced for being in what is discribed as unknown condition.