alpha one lower unit drive shaft replacement?

[kshort]

Well, I'm a newbie and realized that I should've read basic instructions regarding how this site works. (it's a man thing) I have a 1986 Chris Craft Scorpion 196 LTD. Mercruiser 350 Alpha one Gen 1 outdrive. I cracked the lower unit, lost oil and subsequently locked it up. I've removed the lower portion. I purchased a used outdrive ($60 upper and lower) that was broke. The drive shaft was stripped. Figured I'm not out too much $ if it doesn't help me. I thought I'd either replace the drive shaft from mine or just use the housing. The housing itself is a few hundred $$. When I was younger I would've utilized my Clymer manual and dove head first learning as I go. Now just don't have the same kind of energy I guess. Long story short..How many hours should it take to rebuild my lower unit from a certified professional? Trying to decide which way to go, buy used now or have fixed? Thanks KShort - Hamilton Ohio.

 

[kshort]

I've been quoted $600-$700. just wondering if that seems accurate.

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

You have cracked lower and it's locked up the drive. Could be the whole drive is toast. The quote you have been given isn't bad so long as it includes everything. Since it's locked up your bearings are gone and probably gears as well. There is also a question of the upper section

You can buy a new SEI lower for $750 or $1300 for a complete upper/lower with warranty.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Most likely the upper bearings were damaged before the lower since it would lose oil first. Pop the top cap off and take a peek. I wouldn't give a nickel for your chances of the upper being any good now.

Rick

 

[Bondo]

When I was younger I would've utilized my Clymer manual and dove head first learning as I go. Now just don't have the same kind of energy I guess. Long story short..How many hours should it take to rebuild my lower unit from a certified professional? Trying to decide which way to go, buy used now or have fixed?
I've been quoted $600-$700. just wondering if that seems accurate.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... The upper probably lost oil, before the lower,...

Odds are yer gonna end up needin' a complete drive,....

For what you've been quoted to fix yer's, you can buy a brand new SEI lower unit,... Right here at iboats,....
For 'bout twice that, you can buy a brand new SEI outdrive, with a 3 year warranty,....

Tools alone, to rebuild an Alpha, will run ya Twice that again, Just for the Special Tools to do it proper,...

 

[kshort]

Wow.....Not really what I was hoping to hear. Non the less, that's for all the responses. Started out worrying about lower unit and hear I may need a complete outdrive...Uhgg. Have owned this boat for 25 years. I bet I could've bought a couple boats by now considering all the money I've put into this one. Regardless the memories created with the kids are priceless. Have a lot of pride and hours working on everything from trailer axles,hubs,brakes,engineS,interior, covers,thru hull exhaust. Boat has been completely worked over. Time to just replace the outdrive and let her go. Time for someone else to enjoy.
With the information from you fellows I'm goona make sure upper dive is good before I replace the lowewer.
Hoping only the lower needs repaired. Thanks