Alpha 1: New impeller?

[BUCK N DI]

I will be installing a rebuily alpha 1 lower unit on my '88 Starcraft Islander as soon as I get the rebuilt 3.0L engine installed. The only thing that was not done on the lower unit was a new impeller was not installed. Would it be easier to install the new impeller before or after I install the lower unit? Any tips or advice on impeller installation would be aprpreciated. Thanks.

 

[omctech]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

As a rule of thumb, with any rebuilt motor you want to install a new impeller as well as a thermostat. It's cheap piece of mind, and saves a potential expensive lesson.

 

[Trent]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

You have to drop the lower..To me its easy to do with the drive on the boat. Get the full kit and not just the impeller. Before you install the drive grease the u-joint if it is equipped with grease fittings..some are not. Now is the time to check engine alignment with the alignment bar. Good luck.

 

[bertherr]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

I agree. The engine alignment should be done. I had a 1987 Sea Ray with the Alpha I & 3.0L checked a couple of years ago. The alignment was way off. I had it adjusted and the engine ran much smoother and made less noise.<br />I have a QuickSilver Power2 shifting prop from this boat for sale. It will fit your boat and make it seem like you added 4 more cylinders. It starts out at 6" of pitch less than standard. It then shifts, just like an automatic transmission, to standard pitch. It really is an awesome prop. Bert

 

[BUCK N DI]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Trent,<br />It sounds like it might be easier to install the impeller kit when the lower unit is attached to the boat. Am I assuming this correctly? Thanks<br />Buck

 

[Trent]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Your right Buck..easyier for me to do it that way.

 

[BUCK N DI]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Bertherr,<br />I'll be installing the rebuilt motor whenever the weather here in Wisconsin gets closer to spring (hopefully March). I have to lift the old engine out first, but that won't be to difficult as everything is all disconnected and the lower unit is already off. I had already planned on aligning the motor. After installing an impeller kit she should be ready for 20 hr. breakin. Since I will have the old engine (siezed after only 33 hrs., thats another subject), and the old lower unit, I will have 2 props. Can you give me more information on the prop that you mentioned? <br />Thanks,<br />BUCK

 

[bertherr]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

I have a brochure on this prop. Do you have an email address that I could send scanned copies to, or a fax #? I have it advertised in iboats classifieds under accessories. Let me know what you would like. Bert

 

[BUCK N DI]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Bert,<br />E-mail is: gnwbreeders@yahoo.com<br />Would appreciate it if you could send me a copy of brochure via e-mail.<br />I'll be out of town for a couple of days and will get back to you when I return.<br />Thanks,<br />BUCK

 

[BUCK N DI]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Bert,<br />Have you had sometime to experimant with the prop? Does anyone else have any firsthand experience with this prop or similar types? Thanks

 

[bertherr]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

I used it for about six years every weekend for skiing and running about. It would pull up a 200 lb skier with the 3.0L without a problem. It shifts into high gear and you get the fuel economy like any other 3.0L. Bert

 

[harley151]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

I have the same 3.0 Alpha 1 on my 87 searay. Can you send me the info on the prop ass well? You say it "shifts"? I cant see how a prop would do that but im very intrested in gaining some power out of the hole. Any problems related to adding the extra load to the boat at all?<br /><br />Thanks guys!

 

[JB]

Re: Alpha 1: New impeller?

Moving to I/O