Need 2 new outdrives! Season shot...

T

tedmcmanamon

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Jun 13, 2009
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31376
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What would you other boaters do? I have a 1988 Montego 2557 with original outdrives, engines ect. My marine mechanic said that the water pump in both drives had cracks and let water in. This caused some pitting in the gears and bearings and rather than rebuild for an enormous amount of money $8k! I'm considering buying rebuilts instead. I know there's a Sterndrive Engineering version SE 116. I currently have Alpha 1 Alpha R/MR. Does anyone know a good source for these? Are the SE's any good? Should I replace Gimbel and bell housing too? Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Go for the SE Drives, I have been running them for 2 years, not a single problem. Now they come with a three year no fault warrenty!
 
I bought one and installation was easy and it worked well. Good value and good warranty.
 
8K to rebuild your current drives? RIDICULOUS ...Also...based on that quoted figure I'd get a second opinion on the actual condition of the internals of the drives because obviously the guy that gave you THAT quote is an idiot. You can get BRAND NEW MERC outdrives for that price.
 
Over the last 2 boating seasons, I replaced both outdrives and replaced with SEI's on my '89 2767 Santego. Go right to their website and buy direct. They also have dealers, but the price is virtually the same. Buy the entire gasket kit and replace 'em all while you're at it. Regarding the warranty, it does work, is no questions asked and 7 - 10 day turn-around to get your replacement. Note: it doesn't cover labor.
I do have a D-I-Y question - is it true there is a special Alpha1 alignment tool needed for proper installation?
 
If the currently installed drive is aligned properly (and unless you're having the SAME repeated problem(s) as could be cause by misalignment) and there's no reason to think that it may not be....then there is no special tool required. Unless you're removing the bell housing or more...then it's just a matter of removing and re-installing.
 
aholst1...yes, there is a special Mercruiser alignment checking bar. I don't think you can buy one, but most dealers will rent it to you to check your alignment (which should be checked every 2 to 3 years.)
 
Wait a minute........aren't we talking about simply removing and re-installing the outdrives? Everytime I took mine off it would only go back on in the same position it came off. Where's the adjustments?
Why make this any harder or more confusing than it has to be?
 
personally I would ask to see the gears and bearings. You are in fresh water and since those parts are oil coated I am skeptical of extensive damage. Bearings are industry standard parts and much cheaper from a bearing shop than merc. The gears may be special but I sure would like to see the stuff. Can you post pictures??
 
You need a new mechenic or shop. You can buy new Merc Alpha's for $2500, each.
 
A friend just bought a new Alphqa one drive for less than $1550 from a company that advertises in the back of boating magazines.

Also check with Doug Russell.
 
So I guess nobody wants to take up the alignment tool issue?
 
I don't know about alpha's but bravo ones should have the allignment checked yearly. If it is not done it is quite possible that you will be replacing your coupler soon then expected.
 
I'm not that familiar with Bravo Drives....but replacing an Alpha is no more difficult than removing and replacing a Carburetor. When you take the old one off....the new one has the same Bolt Pattern as the old one so therefore can only go on ONE WAY AND IN ONE POSITION. It's as simple as if the bolt holes don't line up then you've got the wrong replacement carb because there IS NO ADJUSTMENT so no special tools required. If it goes on then it's already aligned because THERE ARE NO ADJUSTMENTS.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Tanqueray

So I guess nobody wants to take up the alignment tool issue?

Click to expand...

Sorry...I haven't had a chance to check BE for a while...the adjustments are made on the engine mounts to make sure the coupler lines up with the gimbal bearing so there is no strain on the shaft from the drive. It can be slightly out of alignment and still slide in easily as the bearing had lined itself up to the coupler at whatever angle you may have removed you drive(s)
 
Thanks Kenny, sounds like alpha's are aligned the same as bravos which make sense. I have never observed it being done but my shop and mechanics don't seem to think it is a big deal. My bravo gets pulled and inspected every winter and installed and aligned each spring. No big deal.
 
Okay....finally SOME sort of response.
Now here's a question.....
This damage of the OP's is from supposed water-intrusion.....which would lead me to think that all was well before that happened. My engines haven't been out in 7 years and my drives have been off a couple of times for various reasons yet when they get put back on they just get slid onto the studs they came off of. Never need any "aligning".
Normal use doesn't make an engine mount shift and if properly tightened down I don't see how it would anyways. Could you please explain to me how an engine would shift positioning which is what would have to happen to make it become out of alignment.
This is all nuts and bolts. It's either tight and stays put or it's loose and it moves around in which case I'd be after the guy that installed whatever it is that's moving.
 
Most boats settle as they age causing the engines to become misaligned. You also have an issue with wooden stringers rotting causing the engine to shift, tilt, etc...of course that brings up a whole other issue that I hope no one has to deal with...but it does happen
 
The Boat's a 1988 so I think any settling would have occured by now?
 
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