Mercruiser Pre-Alpha (MC1) Broken Beyond Repair... Options/Recommendations?

[SavinRaven]

just paid 250 to have my engine pulled will pay another 250 to have him put it in and wire it back up. lol 500 and no headache and a ton of pics of wiring .

 

[Scott Danforth]

just paid 250 to have my engine pulled will pay another 250 to have him put it in and wire it back up. lol 500 and no headache and a ton of pics of wiring .

$250 for 45 minutes worth of work?

 

[tank1949]

Hello, all!
New user here to iBoats (sorta new... had an account a long time ago but forgot it so here I am again). And I have a repair options question.

I have an old outdrive that is corroded beyond repair; I tried to pull the bearing and a chunk cracked off, if that gives you any idea of what we're dealing with here. So I'm wondering what my best options are as far as either just buying a new outdrive of the same model or putting on a new outdrive, like a bravo or alpha or something.

Currently, I have a pre-alpha (MC-1). What would the wise folks here recommend doing, buying another MC1 somewhere or replacing what I have now with an Alpha? I've read that the gen1 is not a bolt-on replacement or anything but that it's doable. I would say I'm a moderately experienced DIYer. Not an expert by any means but I have most tools, and I'm comfortable doing home repairs/woodworking/replacing things like head gaskets on my cars, etc. Either way, I have two questions:

Question One: if I should just get another MC1, what are some good reputable shops (online)? How can I be sure that I'm getting the right parts with the right gear ratio, etc.?

Question Two: If I should put on a gen1 alpha, what am I looking at doing? It is more a matter of filling some holes and drilling others, or are we talking full transom replacement? Any guides (I didn't find any in the search) that will walk me through the process?

Thank you all in advance!!

With that age and corrosion, there is a good possibility of transom rot.

 

[ToddCave]

With that age and corrosion, there is a good possibility of transom rot.

Transom feels very solid, but good point that I may as well check that. What is the best way to tell if there's rot? I see a lot of posts about drilling in, but not seeing anything explaining what to actually look for once you drill. Thanks!

 

[nola mike]

Transom feels very solid, but good point that I may as well check that. What is the best way to tell if there's rot? I see a lot of posts about drilling in, but not seeing anything explaining what to actually look for once you drill. Thanks!

You're looking for wood chips--what you'd expect to see if you drilled into a fresh 2x4. What you don't want to see is anything wet, mushy, or saw dust-y. Drill low down, particularly around the transom cut out and around any penetrations (speedo pitot, foto finder, etc)

 

[tank1949]

Transom feels very solid, but good point that I may as well check that. What is the best way to tell if there's rot? I see a lot of posts about drilling in, but not seeing anything explaining what to actually look for once you drill. Thanks!

Drill small holes back side of transom (where bilge is) near drain and pray no crap comes out, especially WATER.