Swap 888 outdrive with Alpha One Gen 1 outdrive?

[cariffe]

I have a 72 Sea Ray with the 888 engine and outdrive, which is pre-Alpha. I'm led to believe that it is possible to swap the outdrive with an Alpha One Gen 1 outdrive. Anyone able to verify this? The 888 outdrive serial number is 3421570 and the Alpha 1 I have available is 0D459081.

 

[Scott06]

I have a 72 Sea Ray with the 888 engine and outdrive, which is pre-Alpha. I'm led to believe that it is possible to swap the outdrive with an Alpha One Gen 1 outdrive. Anyone able to verify this? The 888 outdrive serial number is 3421570 and the Alpha 1 I have available is 0D459081.

Yes a alpha one gen one is a direct bolt in swap. Just need to match the gear ratios which should be stamped on the side. Given the age of both and possibility they were regeared at some point might be worth popping the top cap and counting teeth

 

[cariffe]

Yes a alpha one gen one is a direct bolt in swap. Just need to match the gear ratios which should be stamped on the side. Given the age of both and possibility they were regeared at some point might be worth popping the top cap and counting teeth

Great, it looks like I should be able to make a clean swap here. My life just got better!

Another question just to make sure I'm curing my problem. The boat made a terrible mechanical failure noise and the drive failed while at about 3/4 throttle in choppy water. It would go back into gear at idle, but any amount of revs would cause the same failure and noise. Luckily was able to limp back to the ramp at idle in gear. Is there anything else this could be other than the outdrive? Anything in the gimble or engine drive areas?

 

[palumanic]

Regarding the terrible noise and drive failure you experienced, it's highly likely that it's related to the outdrive itself rather than other parts like the gimbal or engine drive areas. Given the symptoms you described, it's best to have a pro marine mechanic take a look at the outdrive and associated components. They'll be able to figure out the exact cause and get you back on the water in no time!

 

[Scott06]

Great, it looks like I should be able to make a clean swap here. My life just got better!

Another question just to make sure I'm curing my problem. The boat made a terrible mechanical failure noise and the drive failed while at about 3/4 throttle in choppy water. It would go back into gear at idle, but any amount of revs would cause the same failure and noise. Luckily was able to limp back to the ramp at idle in gear. Is there anything else this could be other than the outdrive? Anything in the gimble or engine drive areas?

Would pull the drive , drain lube suspect u will find metal. Coupler splines could be chewed up to. Might grab at idle but not higher throttle you would see the end of the driveshaft chewed up, looking in coupler through gimbal bearing coupler splines would be chewed too.

if it is the coupler vs drive would look at transom and stringer integrity as they can rot and cause engine/coupler misalignment

 

[cariffe]

Would pull the drive , drain lube suspect u will find metal. Coupler splines could be chewed up to. Might grab at idle but not higher throttle you would see the end of the driveshaft chewed up, looking in coupler through gimbal bearing coupler splines would be chewed too.

if it is the coupler vs drive would look at transom and stringer integrity as they can rot and cause engine/coupler misalignment

Good idea on pulling it before I pick up the Alpha 1. The motor was rebuilt a few years ago. Transom seal and stringers were replaced also. Transom was in good shape then. It has run fine for the last few years. If there is an alignment problem I would be surprised, but this boat has been full of surprises over the years!

 

[Scott06]

Good idea on pulling it before I pick up the Alpha 1. The motor was rebuilt a few years ago. Transom seal and stringers were replaced also. Transom was in good shape then. It has run fine for the last few years. If there is an alignment problem I would be surprised, but this boat has been full of surprises over the years!

Then it is Most likely just the drive.