5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

[Gfriedman]

I am about to purchase a 1999 maxum with a 5.7L Alpha one.

I am going to go through the service records for the marina.

Are there any known problems on these that i should look to see if they have been addressed?

Thanks for the help.

 

[arks]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

If it has power steering check for a plastic P/S pully. I believe there was a recall for it around that time period.

 

[achris]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

Two sections to an I/O... the 'I' for inboard, that's the engine... and the 'O', that's the drive.

Your engine is a GM350. Mercruiser have been using that since they put one in the Arc.... Long, long history and a very solid and reliable engine...

Your drive is an Alpha one, generation II. All the problems of gen I were addressed and solved with Gen II. The only issue I have seen with the Gen II is one of nuts and bolts getting stuck. My solution to that is when I install one, I take the nuts and bolts out, one at a time, and grease them... The other issue is the bellows. Some of the early Gen IIs had hinge pins that were about one thread too long and they would rub the bellows when the steering was turned to the locks. Just keep an eye on the bellows and have them replaced when they start wearing...

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

Mercruiser have been using that since that put one in the Arc....

Ayuh,... Noah's Ark,..?? that had Twins didn't it,..??

 

[SSSuper83]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

A good friend has a 2000 Mariah 210 with the same setup..absolutely TROUBLE FREE since new...only regular maintenance and yearly in/out prep we did ourselves. In my opinion..GREAT ENGINE/DRIVE. BTW..how many hours? Previous owner original??

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

Serviced at the marina with all service records. The boat has always been valeted. It doesn't have an hour meter on it, but since been at the same marina since new. They have the record of number of times its been taken out each year. Last year totaling 3.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

Serviced at the marina with all service records. The boat has always been valeted. It doesn't have an hour meter on it, but since been at the same marina since new. They have the record of number of times its been taken out each year. Last year totaling 3.

Looks really nice and well taken care of...I have a 95 with a 5.7 Alpha Gen II. So far, that part of the boat has been great...Now that I've got the deck and stringers solid, should be a sound boat. Good luck.

 

[abburns]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

yes check for the plastic power steering pump pulley. Mine totally fell apart one day and left me stranded. Get the metal replacement pulley/belt.

 

[achris]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

Also keep an eye on the uni-joint bellows. The end of the hinge pins can wear the sides down a bit. Get them changed before they go through.

Chris........

 

[betayv]

Re: 5.7L Merc Alpha One, known problems

beautiful boat and looks like the weather was perfect where is that what city, good luck and happy buying...