Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

[Fishermark]

As a follow up to my post on our latest project, I have a couple of questions on the outdrive. (Quick review: Boat, 1970 Sea Ray, inline 6 Mercruiser).

From what I "think" I know about the Mercruiser outdrives, this boat has a pre-alpha outdrive, but the stickers on the drive say it is an alpha. Here's a couple of pics:

So what's up? Did someone slap on a couple of Alpha decals?

Also, I cannot find any serial numbers anywhere for this drive. On the back of the outdrive, at the top there is a place for a serial number, (see the pics above), but it is completely blank. There's nothing on the gimbal housing either:

 

[45Auto]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

Definitely looks like my pre-Alpha! Looks like this one here too:

https://plus22.safe-order.net/mercstuff/drive_idprealpha.htm

No serial numbers on the stickers because the stickers have been replaced. That Mercruiser sticker on the back of the outdrive is actually a gimbal housing sticker. Peel the Alpha One sticker off the back of the outdrive and the serial number should be stamped into it under the lower right corner of that sticker.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

Definately pre alpha.....
The ribs on the side & the eyehook on top make it an ez id.......​

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

Definately pre alpha.....
The ribs on the side & the eyehook on top make it an ez id.......

Ayuh,............ Sorta.................

What I see is,......
Alpha stickers on a Pre-Alpha upper(the Eye), with an Alpha lower(the Square cav-plate) bolted to it, hung on Probably the original transom assembley(no trim switches)..........

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

Yeah, I noted the square cav plate as noted on mercstuff.com... If I should decide to replace the entire outdrive with an Alpha one, will it bolt up to the pre alpha gimbal housing with no problem?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

If I should decide to replace the entire outdrive with an Alpha one, will it bolt up to the pre alpha gimbal housing with no problem?

Ayuh,............... No Problem............

But,........
I believe that Transom Assembley is Old enough to have the Splined steering shaft,+ those tend to get Loose..........
So,..........
Check that before going Too far.........

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive I.D.

That squared off lower unit could also be a 'I-R' unit. Need to look at the end of the prop shaft to find out. If it is, then you have to be really careful ordering parts for it. BIG differences between the MC-I/I-Rs and the MR/Alphas.

Chris...........