Mercruiser 888 Rehab

[IslandExplorer]

Hello, I am looking to order seals and a shift cable for my new to me Mercruiser 888. It is from a 1974 Starcraft with a 302 V8. It has an MC-1 outdrive and looks like it has the "old style shift cable". Anyone know which kit (or kits) is a good quality one that'll include the seals and stuff I will need? Don't want any knockoff crap. Already have the Quicksilver water pump kit.

The drive was removed to replace the transom so it needs to be completely resealed. (I'm not jumping to an Alpha 1 or newer either so would like to stay with the Precambrian MC-1.) Trying to get everything I need ahead of time so I can just bang it out quick and get this puppy on the water. Seen a number of kits now and not sure which is best/includes all the right parts... Here's a pic of the drive:

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... You have to up-date the lower shift cable to the Alpha 1 kit,.....

I believe those ole MC-1s use a drive bellows with a flat spot on it, but I also believe all that vintage MC-1s use the same bellows kit,....

 

[IslandExplorer]

Thanks Bondo, so you think the Alpha one drive bellows should be fine for the MC-1? I haven't checked it for the flat spot yet. The shift cable that is in there works but this is the time to replace it. I read about running a tap through to clean the old threads, sounds pretty straightforward. I still can't find if there is a kit that has all the seals and the cable I need though. The internet can be such a pain when it comes to ordering parts. If it is basically the same as the Alpha 1 seal wise then maybe I'll order the Alpha complete reseal kit.

 

[Bt Doctur]

you need to know if you have the one with the ridge or without
shift cable: use the newer type for the alpha GEN II

 

[Bondo]

Thanks Bondo, so you think the Alpha one drive bellows should be fine for the MC-1? I haven't checked it for the flat spot yet. The shift cable that is in there works but this is the time to replace it. I read about running a tap through to clean the old threads, sounds pretty straightforward. I still can't find if there is a kit that has all the seals and the cable I need though. The internet can be such a pain when it comes to ordering parts. If it is basically the same as the Alpha 1 seal wise then maybe I'll order the Alpha complete reseal kit.

Nope,..... Not what I said,..... The MC-1 drive bellows is different, with a flat spot,....

 

[Bt Doctur]

sierra 18-2751 with ridge
sierra 18-2752 without ridge
sierra 18-2603 gen II shift cable kit

 

[IslandExplorer]

Nope,..... Not what I said,..... The MC-1 drive bellows is different, with a flat spot,....

My bad, I misread. I'll pull it apart and see if it has that flat spot or not. Definitely concerned about the bellows being reliably sealed as I've read about them pulling off sometimes. Do you believe in using the special bellows sealant? I have read some people say it's great and basically glues it on, others say it helps it slip off... What's your experience?

 

[IslandExplorer]

sierra 18-2751 with ridge
sierra 18-2752 without ridge
sierra 18-2603 gen II shift cable kit

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I've been looking at so many part numbers lately with this build that my eyes are going crossed lol I'm going to order the shift cable right now bc I definitely need to upgrade that. Will order the boot as soon as I can verify the type.

 

[Bondo]

My bad, I misread. I'll pull it apart and see if it has that flat spot or not. Definitely concerned about the bellows being reliably sealed as I've read about them pulling off sometimes. Do you believe in using the special bellows sealant? I have read some people say it's great and basically glues it on, others say it helps it slip off... What's your experience?

Yes,..... Aka: contact cement,..... Install it wet, let it dry, before any pulling on it,....

 

[IslandExplorer]

Yes,..... Aka: contact cement,..... Install it wet, let it dry, before any pulling on it,....

Alright, I like the idea of the glue on there too. Maybe people are tightening the clamps too much before it tacks up and causing it to slip off. I'll probably glue it on good, snug the clamp, then tighten it down good the next day.