Difference in Alpha Gen I and II

talley_ho

Cadet
Joined
May 21, 2007
Messages
12
I am buying an 88 Sea Ray that has twin Mercury Alpha Gen 1 outdrives and am wondering what the difference is compared to the new Gen 2's. Should I avoid the Gen 1's? Any specific issues I should be aware of?
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Difference in Alpha Gen I and II

To begin with, the Alpha I Gen II is a dog clutch type drive similar to the Alpha I, share the name Alpha, and are painted black. That is where the similarity ends.
You can't swap parts from the A1G2 to the original Alpha and you can't put an A1G2 drive on an A1 gimbal housing.
 

TilliamWe

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Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: Difference in Alpha Gen I and II

No reason to avoid Gen 1 drives that I know of. The Gen 2 is just physically bigger and stronger internally.

Specific issues, steering shaft and swivel pins, causing "looseness" in the steering of the outdrive.
 
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