Alpha 1 Swaps

[Drift Away]

Looking for a difinitive answer. Have seen and heard a lot of "should be fine" but as we all know, getting pulled in or having to paddle back...just plain sucks. I have an 85' Celebrity 190 20' cuddy with a 350/260hp Mercruiser. While motoring last week the top gears in the outdrive decided to eat them selves. Paddled for over an hour before the people fishing nearby offered to pull me back. From what I have read, the Alpha ! outdrive was made between 79 and 90 with a change somewhere around 83. With the cost of outdrives, new used or otherwise, being high, I have found a 79 Alpha 1 that has been rebuilt with only 10 hours on it. I was used with a 350 and I believe the gears when rebuilt to be 22/20. Counted teeth and came up with 22 on the gear. Long story short now. Can I put this 79 on my 85 with little or no modifications. I was told that I will have to put my yoke if the old one is too short. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Swaps

Looking for a difinitive answer.

And you come to a forum where everyone has an opinion


Go to this link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=329915 and download the first link about the ID and history for the Alpha drive. That will explain a lot.

The MC-1 through Alpha I are interchangeable, as far as removing one drive and installing the next (for the most part, there are exceptions) internal parts of the drive are not interchangeable. You do need the correct gear ratio.

 

[Drift Away]

Re: Alpha 1 Swaps

Hi Don, have read from this site lots of times to try to find the answer. I understand your comment about coming here .:facepalm: I understand that I need to run a gear ratio of 1-1.47 or 1-1.50. My biggest concern was if the older (pre84) would bolt up as a whole unit and work without damaging anything. As stated, I didn't know the lenght of the other yoke where it would go thru the gimble and attach thru the flywheel. On another hopefully easier question, I use the boat in fresh water, should I put some silocone sealant along with the gasket when I reinstall the outdrive? Hate to be a worry wort, but better safe than sorry. Hoping to be boating again soon before the season ends. Thanks again..

 

[Pessemist]

Re: Alpha 1 Swaps

I would strongly suggest you go with a new unit if possible. From my experience ANY used drive is suspect and to rebuild them is iffy unless your mechanic is mercruiser certified.

Aftermarket sterndrives are relatively inexpensive and can come with a 3 year unconditional guarantee.

Used is asking for trouble.