Alpha lower unit cracked, looking for options.

[ccandwater]

I have a 1988 3.7 liter, 165hp with a mercruiser alpha outdrive. Something broke inside the lower unit and cracked the case from the inside. I have not remove the lower unit, but from the looks of the crack, it's not pretty! My question is, with all the outdrives listed on e-bay can I replace my alpha with a alpha gen II or a bravo? Will a gen II or bravo bolt up to to the alpha transom plate or will that need to be replaced also? Or should I just rebuild the current outdrive replacing the cracked lower unit? I am open to any and all options.

 

[Trent]

Re: Alpha lower unit cracked, looking for options.

You cannot use the Bravo or the Gen II drive...Heck to make it easyier look here.<br /><br /> Drive ID

 

[MrBill]

Re: Alpha lower unit cracked, looking for options.

Trent sent a very concise link for identification of your lower unit. As you may know, the lower units that fit your drive remain consistent across the variuos gear ratio set-ups of the upper units.<br /><br />Although your problem seems to be isolated to the lower unit, whatever wear or fatigue that caused the failure could be a pending issue for other parts of your drive. eBay has a wide range of drives and components for sale but be cautious. I have experienced a wide range of quality buying drive components from eBay, and this time of year the bidding gets heavy due the number of people searching for parts. I would suggest getting a rebuilt/reconditioned lower unit and having the upper checked out, if you're not capable of doing it yourself. Good luck.......

 

[bowhuntrrl]

Re: Alpha lower unit cracked, looking for options.

Sounds like what happened to me last year. Water in the case froze and cracked the housing because the drain hole was plugged. Is it a straight line in front of the water intake on the lower ?? Most of the southern guys will have never seen that because their weather doesn't get cold enough to freeze water down there. I sent mine to a place in Florida, they remanufactured the lower and welded up the case. Looks and works like new for $800 !!!!! I should mention this was for the whole outdrive.<br /><br />bowhuntr