Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

[Grant Ingle]

Currently working on a 1988 SeaRay 3.0 Merc sterndrive. The upper and lower were shot and dictated replacement. Happened to have on hand a outdrive from a Gen II. Wondering if this outdrive will work with mild modifications. What I have seen so far is that the transom assembly was too small to accomodate the upper around the stiffener area (on the genII this area has plastic bushings). Ground this down until it fit with acceptable clearance. Also the trim rams did not want to fit around the upper unit base area. The original unit was 3.25 inches wide while the new unit is 6 and 3/16 inches wide. everything fits up except that the crossbar for the new style mercs is too short since the old unit used rubber bushings in the trim rams and the new style has plastic bushings. Have considered having a custom rod made to allow for the extra length of the bushings. Am I enjoying a pipe dream or can this actually be done?<br />

 

[bomar76]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Hey Grant, I can't answer your Mercruiser question, but I did notice you are from Indian Lake and thought I would say Hi to a local. ****, I wish they would pull some more stumps out of that lake - I suspect they are put there by the Indian Lake Prop Dealers Association . Maybe see you @ the Tilton Hilton some time.

 

[Grant Ingle]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Its good to hear that someone knows where we are on this website. We're on the road to the moose lodge so stop by sometime and we'll have a cold one. Stop by the Prop Shop and ask for Grant. 937-842-2300.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Haven't belonged to the Moose for ages...was an officer @ Marysville and was on the Ritual Team for years...always had a good time whenever we went to the Indian Lake Club. Spent a lot of $ there and @ the Eagles. We have been meaning to join the Indian Lake Lodge for some time, just never got around to it. Wanna sign up a re-enroll???

 

[Trent]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Sorry but the Gen II will not work. You need an old Mercrusier I and modify it or an MR drive and modify it, or another Alpha I.<br /><br /> Drive ID

 

[Grant Ingle]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Mercury has hinted that you can change these but never come staight out and said that it should be done. Now they did say if you were to do this to change the transom assembly. What are the major difference outside of the gen 11 being much larger and shure that the gears are different? <br /> Thank you!<br /> Nickster <br />(Iboats member)

 

[Trent]

Re: Retrofitting Mercruiser Outdrive

Oh...If you want to change the transom plate and gimble housings it can be done. But its not worth the several thousand dollars to do it just in parts. <br /><br />Just buy a used outdrive or overhaul yours. Looking at around two grand.