1983 Mercuiser 898 (GM 305). Do I have a bravo 1 or alpha 1.

[83ChrisCraft]

I have an 83' Chris Craft with a 898. I am replacing the gimbel bearing and all assorted bellows, but I cannot find any identifying numbers or marks on the out-drive to discern whether its a bravo or alpha. I have more photos, just tell me what angle/view you need to tell what it is

 

[Bt Doctur]

Appears to be the standard Alpha drive with a home made whale tail on it

 

[thumpar]

The bravo was not made at that time and either was the alpha. It is most likely an MR.

 

[83ChrisCraft]

I did some pokin around else where on the forum and I cam across the alpha id sheet that Don S shared. http://www.4shared.com/web/preview/pdf/QPgYoLGq
It looks its a 1-R but i don't see one in 1983 when i look for parts

End the result of finding the id is that I need to buy gimbel gearing, alignment tool, bellows, and needed gaskets and o rings for this out-drive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

the square cavitation plate should make it the MR series and all the Alpha parts will fit. There should not be a pre-load pin on the top of the lower drive shaft.

 

[83ChrisCraft]

most of the parts I see have a serial number ranges. What do i do if i can not find any markings or SN's

 

[83ChrisCraft]

would this work

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEI-MerCrui...7T1-/120894389880?hash=item1c25ddfe78&vxp=mtr

 

[Bt Doctur]

that kit would be correct, there should be a decal on the left side ,in the recessed area. it is also stamped into the housing in the same area.

 

[83ChrisCraft]

It seems that the corrosion has gotten so bad it either has removed this area or I simply can not discern pitted areas from letters. Can I find that information anywhere else?

 

[Bt Doctur]

not that I`m aware of. the mr will accept almost all of the standard alpha parts.

 

[83ChrisCraft]

I am starting a new thread bc i just discovered this in the upper unit

 

[83ChrisCraft]

I pulled the decals off and this is what I found under them
6324384 ( on the left side) C ( on the right side)