Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

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Feb 15, 2011
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I bought a boat with a 3 liter GM engine. The bell and gimbel housing along with the tilt cylinders are all there I just need an outdrive.
Using the serial numbers off these sections how do I determine which outdrive I need?
 

Don S

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Post the serial number, that may help if it's not too old, but knowing at least the year of the boat would help.
 

Fishermark

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

If you have the serial numbers, simply post them here and the pros can help. If you know the year of the boat you can make an educated guess as to the outdrive. Chances are good it is either an Alpha or an Alpha Gen II.

EDIT - Looks like Don beat me to it. ;)
 

Don S

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Chances are good it is either an Alpha or an Alpha Gen II.

Could also be an R, MR, or a MC-1 drive, don't forget, the 3.0L/140 engine was around 20 years before the Alpha came into being.

Here are a couple references from the Adults only sticky that should help you determine what you have.

How to ID an Alpha Style Outdrive, and History.
http://www.4shared.com/file/213854305/deac4209/Mercruiser_Alpha_ID_and_Histor.html
This can be used to check the year of your engine, drive, and transom shield by serial number.
http://www.4shared.com/document/TcRI4n4z/MCM_Model_year_SN_range.html
 

Fishermark

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Could also be an R, MR, or a MC-1 drive, don't forget, the 3.0L/140 engine was around 20 years before the Alpha came into being.

True. And it will be necessary of course for the original poster to discover what was on there originally before finding a replacement.

Even if you find you had an older pre-alpha drive, the chances are good that the alpha clones you can buy new here on Iboats will bolt right on with no issues. These are the units manufactured by Sterndrive Engineering. Great alternative since you need to purchase a complete outdrive anyway.
 
Joined
Feb 15, 2011
Messages
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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

I bought a boat with a 3 liter GM engine. The bell and gimbel housing along with the tilt cylinders are all there I just need an outdrive.
Using the serial numbers off these sections how do I determine which outdrive I need?
The serial # off the gimbel housing is: 08631070, off the engine is: B483492. Also on the engine tag is : R/Mr/alpha 1/L4, CCW.
I believe this boat to be a 1987.
I have absolutely no idea what it had for an outdrive before.
 

Bondo

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

I have absolutely no idea what it had for an outdrive before.

Ayuh,... It was an Alpha 1,... 1.98:1 ratio...
 
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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

I found an outdrive with the stampings: 2.50R, AN, S2E1.
Is the 2.5 the ratio? If I need a 1.98 then 2.5 is too much for my little engine right?
 

Don S

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

I found an outdrive with the stampings: 2.50R, AN, S2E1.

Never heard of a 2.50R .......... Do you have a link to this drive?
 

Bondo

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Ayuh,... It's an Alpha 1,...
I'd guess the 2.50R is really 1.50R which means it Won't work with a 3.0l motor...
You need a 1.98:1,...
It's of No use to you, at All...
 

Don S

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Well, it looks like an alpha, but there is no such thing as a 2.50 Gear ratio. If he doesn't know what gear ratio it is, what else doesn't he know about that drive.
 

SawDust{RM}

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Re: Which out drive goes with my mercuriser?

Correct is 1:98
Since you don't have one you might want to look at the SEI new drives $ 1295 for a new with 3yr warranty
 
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