Alpha 1 year?

[rebars1]

1983 Chris-Craft 23' Chevy 350, Alpha 1 outdrive #0055400. Can anuone help me with the year for the outdrive? The guy I got it from said the engine and outdrive were about 10 years newer than the boat.<br /><br />Also, I can't quite read the engine markings. It looks like GM 57LC SGI? I can't quite read the serial number (4877)? <br /><br />The original set up was Crusader, but I'm trying figure out what I've got here. <br /><br />Thank You

 

[rebars1]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

Some additional information: Closed cooling system with a vertical heat exchanger, center riser manifolds with "Volvo Penta" moled on, electronic ignition. <br /><br />Also, I am new to closed cooling systems. Is the coolant straight anti-freeze or 50-50 dilution? Does the outdrive impeller circulate the sea water as in an open system?<br /><br />Thank you in advance for any information.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

The original set up was Crusader, but I'm trying figure out what I've got here.

Not quite sure what you mean.<br />If it's an Alpha I from 83, it's not Crusader. <br />Crusader was an inboard only setup, not I/O.<br />Also by the engine model numbers, it sounds like an aftermarket engine with fuel injection.<br /><br />Ya got any pictures of what you have, that would help a lot.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

Thank you,Don S, I'll see if I can get some pictures. I'll also try to get more info from the previous owner. <br /><br />Can you confirm approximate year for the Alpha 1 serial # 0055400?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

Since the boat is an 83, I would guess the drive is either early 83 or 82. Can't help with just the SN.<br />Many of the drives during that era went by engine designation.<br />Might have a look at mercstuff.com for help in identification

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

Sounds like a Real Mutt........... <br /><br />A Mercruiser,.. Volvo,.. Crusader,..............<br /><br />Well,........ Atleast it's Chevy Power........... <br /><br />"Is the coolant straight anti-freeze or 50-50 dilution?"<br />50/50,...... Just like the car...........<br /><br />"Does the outdrive impeller circulate the sea water as in an open system?"<br />Ayuh,............<br />It's just Where,+ To What,.... that differs between systems.............<br />Ya know,.. Fresh or Raw water to the Manifolds etc.........<br /><br />As far as the Drive,......... <br />It's Either an Alpha 1,... or a Pre-Alpha........<br />There's Alot of Interchangeability Either Way..................

 

[rebars1]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

I got some more info from the guy I got this boat from. He was in the process of replacing the engine when health problems stopped him. He had replaced the original engine 10 years or so ago with a chevy350 from a Crusader set up which was revised for his Merc set, (hence the Crusader manual he had). Someone dumped some sand in his oil and sabotaged it last year and killed it. He did not know the full details about the Chevy 350 he was installing other than it came out of a harbor patrol boat and was in good condition. I'm going to talk to mech that installed it for him. <br /><br />The previous engines had the log type of manifold/risers. This one has the center riser style. Is there any difference in performance between the two styles of exhaust manifolds? <br /><br />I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out how.

 

[rebars1]

Re: Alpha 1 year?

The current engine is a Chevy 350 from a Volvo Penta set up with a close cooling system. It is installed with a mercruiser Alpha 1 drive. They kept the center risers manifolds and attached the exhaust to the Y pipes. <br /><br />I noticed that the manifolds have one water hose only, connected at the front ends. No other hoses attach to the maifold or riser. Is the a typical Volve setup with closed water cooling? The port side riser and manifold run hot (on muffs), the starboard side runs warm, not hot.