Rick said:
....................., allowing me to experience the Merc A drive Dog Clutch and the related issues, and the less problem prone Volvo Penta Cone Clutch drives.
related issues??
Yes.... related issues, such as the SI or SA finicky adjustment, the less effective lower unit seawater pump, the rubber hub drive coupler and the required annual engine/coupler alignment (due to geometry between the rear engine mounts and gimbal bearing axis), not to mention the Gimbal suspension system!
Only about the most available and popular drive out there,
parts readily available.
Yes, and that is a good thing.
To OP I wouldn't discount using a merc alpha drive
if you find a good engine and drive in a donor boat.
From what I read in posts #1 and #5, the OP has a good 5.8L engine that he'd like to re-use.
Im going on 30 years between two alpha drives (two boats) with no significant issues. Yes it's a dog clutch that clunks... simple design.
I agree....... it is a simple design. Likewise with the AQ series V/P and with cone clutch gear engagement to boot.
Rick you had posted about resurfacing or lapping VP cone clutches recently, how is that less trouble prone?
Yes, I have posted many times on the topic of lapping the bronze sliding sleeve against the corresponding steel gear cups.
It is a rare requirement, and can easily be done during a transmission re-seal.
Never had a dog clutch apart and I do plenty of water sports and WOT.
Please understand that I am glad to see that any Merc A drive owner is having good luck with his/her drive.
I would never wish otherwise!
Again wouldn't discount a alpha drive if you find one to tear out
One of the beauties of a forum like this, is that we are free to voice our own opinions and share our experiences.
Having owned and worked on both has allowed me to make what I'd consider to be a fair and comparative evaluation for myself.
I would encourage those who Foo Foo the AQ series V/P to actually own one before doing so.
If you have not owned an AQ series V/P, yet you Foo Foo them, I would ask: is that really fair?