merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

[austinintexas]

A newb question but here it goes..
I am at a loss with what kit i need to buy to rebuild my water pump.
I have a mercrusier 1 drive/888 and can not seem to find the part number.
I have found two kits that say they are for mercrusiers and for some reason am a bit doubtful that my 40yr out drive is the same as all later models.
Yes i do have a service manual and if the part #s are there i can not find them.
I have also found the installation manual in the adults only section, seems like a straight forward job.

and yes i am very new to this boating thing
thanks for the help

oh and if someone wants to school me on parts lookup feel free i need it

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

Your 888 drive is, for all intents and purposes, an Alpha I. Buy the full impeller/water pump kit for the pre-Alpha I's and have at it. Most places list the correct kit as "pre-alpha". Here is a link to one:

http://mercstuff.com/waterpumps.htm

 

[DonoGrosso]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

Haulnazz has more experience than me, but I have the same set-up you have, an 888 188hp Merc, and ran into the same question. I just ordered my water pump kit and found two that matched -- the difference is some drives have NO plastic flush screw in the drive housing and DO have a pre-load pin at the top of the drive shaft (this is the R variety I've been told). Some 888s have been retro-fitted with an Alpha lower unit and require the other kit, these have a plastic flush screw in the housing and NO pre-load pin at the drive shaft. I found both kits on the web and some good instructions too ... I need to re-read FAQs to make sure I don't break any rules by posting links ... I'll post them soon or PM me.

Or maybe I'm way off and you should listen to haulnazz, cuz all I'm haul'n right now are a lot of parts to the back of my boat!

 

[DonoGrosso]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

I think I can post without condemnation the part numbers I found. If you have an R drive, pre-Alpha, it will not have a plastic flush screw and it WILL have a pre-load pin at the shaft. Use Sierra Part #18-3317

If you have an Alpha retro-fit on your 888, it WILL have a plastic flush screw and NO pre-load pin. Use Sierra Part #18-3321.

If I'm wrong, someone help both of us!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

The difference between the Alphas and pre-alphas is in the water pump base I believe.

 

[DonoGrosso]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

The difference between the Alphas and pre-alphas is in the water pump base I believe.

This is what I read too. So I guess it only matters if doing the full pump re-build, rather than just an impeller prelacement (?). I am only finding one "impeller repair kit," but 2 "complete water pump kits" with the plastic base (and $20) being the only difference.
Thanks Hauln

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

Yes, that is correct. If you don't know when the last time the full water pump was replaced, you should go ahead and do it. It takes another 5 minutes to do and offers some piece of mind. Also only a miniscule amount of extra dough.

 

[austinintexas]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

thanks for the help guys!
Is there a way i can tell if mine is a alpha retro fit without taking it apart/looking for the flush screw?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: merc 1 drive/888/188hp water pump kit?

Won't know until you separate the drive. If it looks originial chances are it's the pre-alpha.