Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

[rickryder]

So I have a wasted upper unit....1987 Alpha One ser# A862374 /5.7L Merc OK157129
I haven't opened the lower yet but when I engage forward and reverse it feels smooth....no play in the prop shaft...
Here's pics of the drive and driven gears.









So what say you DonS and Bond-O your input is appreciated!

 

[Don S]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

You have a wasted outdrive, not just the upper. The upper and lower share the same oil

Get yourself an SEI replacement, iboats sells them. That costs a lot less than you can buy the special tools needed to rebuild the drive, let alone all the parts needed. Plus you get a 3 year warranty.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

ran low/out of oil to have that happen.

 

[fmalott]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

You have a wasted outdrive, not just the upper. The upper and lower share the same oil

Get yourself an SEI replacement, iboats sells them. That costs a lot less than you can buy the special tools needed to rebuild the drive, let alone all the parts needed. Plus you get a 3 year warranty.

X2 on DonS reply my I-R outdrive needed a rebuild it would of costed me $1100 to rebuild i threw $400 in the pot and bought a new SEI with a 3 year warranty

 

[rickryder]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

ran low/out of oil to have that happen.

YUP salt water is a poor lubricant.....at least I was only 1/2 mile from the Keyport ramp....Sea Tow was $300 that wasn't bad.

Guess SEI or try to find a good used one <----ha ha ha

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Don S]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

Forget the used ones, unless you just like to keep installing drives every other week. Ever wonder why people are selling there perfectly good outdrives?

 

[kwoolard]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

I'd go with the SEI as well. Buddy of mine bought one last year and has put about 75 hours on it, drive seems fine so far, a little gear whine initially but think that was more of the break-in whine. Other than that the only issue I've noticed with them is the cheaper paint job. His top bearing cap is chipping and pitting pretty bad, but SEI offered to replace the cap and re-shim the bearings/gears.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Should I rebuild or replace Alpha One

Good to know they will stand by their product.