76 reinell outdrive identification

[Essential]

I thought identifying an outdrive would be easy...boy was I wrong..!! I have a 76 reinell with a 351W (233 merc) and a mercruiser outdrive..all the info i find for that year points to a pre-alpha outdrive but mine does not have the eye hook at the top. of course the last guy to have the boat was a spray can mechanic and everything on the engine and drive has a healthy coat of black tremclad!....I did find this number under the paint on the upper gear assembly OB875465..and also found a merc serial number on the transom..4431022...Any idea what this would be?

Thanks for your help
Dean

 

[Don S]

Re: 76 reinell outdrive identification

Your outdrive isn't original to the boat. Not a surprise on a 76 boat. The 0B875465 outdrive is a 1988, and originally was a 1.98 gear ratio (If it still has the original gears in the upper for that sn.)
BTW, The 1.98 gear ratio is for a 3.0L 4 cylinder engine.

 

[Essential]

Re: 76 reinell outdrive identification

Thanks Don,

Any trouble usingthat on with the 351W engine? THe only reason i opened the drive up was to change out the failed water pump

 

[Don S]

Re: 76 reinell outdrive identification

The only problem would be the gear ratio. If propped right, to get the proper wide open throttle rpm, I would bet that thing is a real dog to get on plane with, and probably a slow speed once up.

The 233 engine used a 1.32 gear ratio.