can I swap lower units.

[calamari]

Can anyone tell me will a lower unit of a Mercruiser alpha1 outdrive from a 4 cylinder engine work on a Mercruiser alpha 1 (1986) outdrive with a 8 cylinder engine.

I broke the skeg completly of my lower unit at the bullet so I have to buy a skeg and weld it on. But my brother has a old alpha 1 lower unit from his boat which was a 4 cylinder engine. If his old lower unit will work on my boat powered by a 8 cylinder that would be the best way for me to go that is if it will work

Or if I go the route welding a replacement skeg on do I have to take the lower units apart before welding? I heard If I dont it will ruin the seals in the lower unit.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: can I swap lower units.

You might post this in the I/O section.

if the Alphas are both Gen I or Gen II, they should interchange. The gear ratios will likely be different, and a prop change will be in order.

You can get a skeg welded on w/o pulling the gears out. You need a competent welder to do this. I had it done on my merc Outboard, w/o issue.