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Outdrive

Discussion Forum at MarineEngine.com » Mercruiser Sterndrive » Archive through May 10, 2008 » Outdrive « Previous Next »

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captduck
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 09:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

I have a 2003 mercruiser 1.81 alpha one gen 2 putdrive. I broke the skeg off and would like to get it replaced. I have a chance to buy a 1999 alpha one gen 2 with a 2.1 gear ratio. Is it possible just to change out the lower part of the drive without any problems or will it not work? I read that it was just the upper part of the drive that has to be the same. Any input would be appreciated.
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Bt Doctur
Advanced Member
Username: bt_doctur

Post Number: 234
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Lowers are the same, GenII-to-GEN II.Gear ratios are done in the upper unit
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Rod Stewart
Senior Member
Username: rod_stewart

Post Number: 1205
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 11:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

While you are at it, you should consider a new water pump impeller kit. I usually figure new impeller anytime the drive is off or apart for any reason, or every five years or 250 hours otherwise.

You should then be able to put the upper 2.1 gearcase on ebay and recoup some money out of it. You would also likely be able to sell the broken lower on ebay.

What are you figuring to pay for the 2.1 drive?

Rod
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captduck
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 06:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Yeah i was planning on changing out the water impeller. Even though i only have around 40 hours on my 2003 engine.

I actually was planning on selling the upper on ebay. Didn't realize i could sell the lower with a broken skeg. But one man's junk is another mans treasure.

I am buying the drive with the 2.1 gear ratio for $200 bucks. Sound like a good deal?
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Rod Stewart
Senior Member
Username: rod_stewart

Post Number: 1215
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 10:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Great deal!
No way you can lose on that.
Is it sure to be in working condition?

Rod
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Guy Gaspar
Senior Member
Username: guyjg

Post Number: 1945
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 11:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Have a new skeg welded on and keep it for a spare.
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Brent Cardwell
New member
Username: donziak

Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2008
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 04:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

I had both of my skegs welded back on and no one would know. Its been three years and 200 hours and still no problem. It cost me $300.00 and included painting. Hell of a lot cheaper than new/used lower units!
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Brent Cardwell
New member
Username: donziak

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2008
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 04:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

I remember seeing a bolt on part that covers broken skegs in stainless steel at my local boat dealer. this too is an option if there is anything to attatch it to. $75.00?
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captduck
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 07:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Yeah nothing wrong with it. He is even giving me a warranty. I will take a picture of mine and see if it is worth welding.
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Rod Stewart
Senior Member
Username: rod_stewart

Post Number: 1218
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 08:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

I'd still go ahead with the 2.1 for that price.
Then as Guy said you could get your old lower repaired and use it as a spare.

I have learned over the years that a spare drive leg is not a bad thing to have on hand. This avoids major family disappointment if the drive decides to die in the middle of holidays when everyone is keen on tubing, wake boarding, etc.

I am just building one up for mine using a new Merc upper unit and a new SEI lower unit. I will put it on the boat when next I am at the lake, then keep the current drive (which is working fine) as a spare.

Rod

Rod
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captduck
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Well i picked up the unit tonight. So everyone is in agreement that i can use the lower half off the 2.1 and put it on the 1.81 upper half and it should work? They are both alpha one gen II drives.
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Rod Stewart
Senior Member
Username: rod_stewart

Post Number: 1220
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 12:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Most definitely.
For help on changing the parts over you can go to SEI's site. They have a simple and well illustrated section on assembling SEI 116 drive upper and lower parts. It will help you a lot.

Rod
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captduck
Visitor
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 12:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

what is SEI? not familiar with that.
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Ceeclipz
Member
Username: ceeclipz

Post Number: 19
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 08:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Brent, to get a skeg welded on, what type of shop would you bring it to, as I need to do that as well.....

Does the Lower unit need to be dismantled.

Thanks
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Brent Cardwell
Member
Username: donziak

Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2008
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 10:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Your local weld shop should be able to do it. mine were done with all connected. I guess its up to the shop and how much space they have for parking a boat/trailer.
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Rod Stewart
Senior Member
Username: rod_stewart

Post Number: 1224
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 11:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

SEI=Sterndrive Engineering Inc.
They are a manufacturer of aftermarket direct replacement sterndrives. Much cheaper than Merc and they seem to stand up well.

Rod
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Bt Doctur
Advanced Member
Username: bt_doctur

Post Number: 241
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 04:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

capt, i have 5 units installed on customer boats and they cant tell the difference except in the checkbook.
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Bt Doctur
Advanced Member
Username: bt_doctur

Post Number: 242
Registered: 06-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Capt, looking at my earlier post ,there are 4 gear ratio`s for the lower units of GEN II`s.
Try rotating the drive shaft counting the number of turns for the prop shaft to go 1 rev.That`s your ratio and compare them.
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Guy Gaspar
Senior Member
Username: guyjg

Post Number: 1949
Registered: 08-2006
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 05:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Brent:

I think a Prop Shop can weld the skeg since they weld alum. props.

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