Outdrive Replacement

[brodie123]

Hi All;

I have a cabin cruiser with dual Mercruiser 3.7's. One outdrive (alpha) is getting water in the gear oil and metal shavings on the magnet. I pick up a few shavings every 10 hours of running. Seems to me it needs to be rebuilt.

To save on the rebuild cost, I do have a complete "R" outdrive. Is this at all compatible or am I looking at doing a rebuild?

I have moderate mechanical abilities, I have done all the engine work myself but never the outdrive other than water pump replacement so I'm not sure how intensive this is. I do have some of the tools already such as the cover nut tool etc. Is this something I dare attempt or is it simply better to take to a pro?

thx

 

[agallant80]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

I would find out if it is the upper or lower that is having the issue then investigate to see if one can be saved. If so it may be easier to bolt on a replacment from SEI or just buy a whole new drive from them. Rebuilding the drive requires shimming the gears, having calipers to measure tollerances etc. If you do it wrong then you will just destroy the new stuff you put in the drive. Between the special tools needed, replacement parts, your time and no gaurentiee of doing it right you may want to consider just replacing rather then trying to fix.

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

An 'R' (of the same ratio) will bolt straight into the hole an 'Alpha One' came out of and you can't see the difference....

Please provide serial numbers and we can verify models and ratios (given the ratios haven't been altered since new)...

Chris......

 

[brodie123]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

Thanks.

The original unit is serial # 0B886974

The spare unit is serial # 5728612 it also has stamped on it 1.5|R which I "assume" means 1:1.5 gear ratio?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

Thanks.

The original unit is serial # 0B886974

The spare unit is serial # 5728612 it also has stamped on it 1.5|R which I "assume" means 1:1.5 gear ratio?

Correct...

Serial number 0B886974... This comes up as a 1988 (Alpha One) with a ratio of 1.84:1...

The 5728612 unit is not an 'R', but an MC-1.... It will still go in the hole, but will look 'wrong' on the squared off bell-housing.... This unit has a lifting eye on the very top of the top cover, yes? And the others have just a slot at the back of the top cover...

Chris.....

A bit like these 2 ...

 

[brodie123]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

Thank you !!

Ok. So I can't use this as a spare.

I'd like to avoid the cost of a replacement, and I will find out where the shavings are coming from, but will a rebuild generally do the trick?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

Thank you !!

Ok. So I can't use this as a spare.

I'd like to avoid the cost of a replacement, and I will find out where the shavings are coming from, but will a rebuild generally do the trick?

Ratio is too far away... As for a rebuild, until you open it up and take a look, unknown.... Even by the time you buy just the tools, an SEI drive is looking like a really good choice economically...

Chris.....

 

[brodie123]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

Thanks. I'm not familiar with SEI actually. Is there a link to the store you can provide?

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive Replacement

http://www.boatmotors.com/motorparts/index.cgi?pid=7507&flag=2 tv