Changing Rotation

[mr. b]

Does anyone have information on changing a 1979 Mercruiser V-8 898 with a counter clockwise rotation to a 350 clockwise rotation? Can I just change the prop or is it more involved?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Changing Rotation

With all the 350s laying around,....

Why would you even consider such a Swap,..??...

 

[flabum]

Re: Changing Rotation

If it is an inboard with a Borg Warner transmission, you have to index the front pump for desired engine rotation.

 

[Don S]

Re: Changing Rotation

Since an 898 is a designation for a 305 Chevy engine with an Alpha drive, my guess is you have found a conter rotating engine pulled out of an inboard, and want to replace the engine in your I/O boat.
Yes you can just swap the prop to the opposite rotation.

 

[flabum]

Re: Changing Rotation

If it is a sterndrive, you cannot reverse the rotation, you will blow the drive. The gears in an Alpha drive are helix cut and will not run backwards.All Alpha drive require standard rotation engines. the only sterndrive you can run backwards is the TRS because it runs off a Borg Warner transmission.

Edit: Also by reversing engine rotation, the waterpump in the drive will no longer be turning in the right direction to pump water.,