advice on '72 merc I/O

[putback]

I need opinions / advice on a 1972 Starcraft Holiday I/O w/ a common 2.5 4cyl. It was restored recently and appears to be well done. My main concern is the outdrive. The guy says its a "pre Alpha one". Would that be accurate? If yes what is their reputation? Are parts available? I know very little about outdrives are there obvious danger signs to look for? What I'm looking for is a simple dependable workhorse.

 

[Fishermark]

The guy says its a "pre Alpha one". Would that be accurate?

It is technically accurate, but means very little. There were quite a few outdrives that Mercruiser had that were "pre-alpha." I would suggest getting a little more info or posting a few pictures.

 

[Bondo]

It is technically accurate, but means very little. There were quite a few outdrives that Mercruiser had that were "pre-alpha." I would suggest getting a little more info or posting a few pictures.

Ayuh,.... Agreed, 'n '72 was a tricky time,...

Welcome Aboard putback,....

It may, or may not be a Great buy, more info, or pictures, or numbers from the drive would be Best, before makin' the plunge,...

 

[putback]

Ok, Thanks. Two hours away,can't get to it in daylight 'till the weekend. I'll try to ID it and post then. Just in case I find myself in a buy or lose it situation is there an out drive of that era to stay away from?

 

[Bondo]

Ok, Thanks. Two hours away,can't get to it in daylight 'till the weekend. I'll try to ID it and post then. Just in case I find myself in a buy or lose it situation is there an out drive of that era to stay away from?

Ayuh,.... If it's a Model 1,... It's Ok,....

If it's a Mod. 1A, B, or C, ya don't want it,.....

 

[fishrdan]

Yes, post up some pictures or hopefully a serial number.

I wouldn't be scared of a 72' MC-1, I have one myself. I haven't found anything that's critical and obsolete, though some parts can be hard to find. Normal service parts are not an issue.

 

[VenturaCobalt]

Moved to new thread.

 

[Bondo]

Hey there guys, I look forward to learning more about Putback's new boat!...... Coincidentally, I have recently purchased a similar boat and have the same questions about the outdrive. The boat is a very nice, one owner 1972 Cobalt 16 with a Mercruiser 140 I/O. The serial number on the drive is 3287079. The lower unit of the previously mentioned outdrive is a bit nicked up however. I do have an additional complete outdrive with S/N 2944299 as well. Any advise as to what the two drives actually are and weather or not the lower unit of the second drive can be used with the fist drive would be greatly appreciated. Does either s/n represent a better choice? Thanks again!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Rather than hi-jackin' putback's thread, You oughta be startin' a thread of yer Own,.....

Pull the lower units off the upper units,....

If the Splines at the top of the lower unit input shafts are the same spline count, they'll interchange,.....

 

[putback]

Boat sold before I could get back to it. What you guys posted helped a lot. I will find an older starcraft 4cyl I/O, MC1, Alpha or newer to rebuild. Near the top of my bucket list. Thanks for the help.