Do I need a new drive?

[greg82255]

Hello,

I just finished upgrading my Mercruiser 898 from a 2bbl to a 4bbl and upgraded the exhaust as well. The engine now puts out about 230 hp (up from 198) and I was wondering if I will need a new drive to accommodate this boost in power. The drive on there now is a type I, pre-1983, with a 1.5:1 ratio. I was told by a marine mechanic that I may need a rebuild after the end of this year, so I am debating just getting a used alpha one. Is it worth upgrading? Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

Your drive is good up to about 300HP so you will be ok on that end so it is basically up to you if you wanna change that drive out or not since it may need a rebuild in short order

 

[greg82255]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

would it be cheaper to buy a new drive instead of rebuilding an old one?

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

Why does your mechanic say it needs rebuilt? Is something wrong with it, or does he just need some money?

 

[greg82255]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

he just said it was old and that I should have it done, didnt give me a reason. Is there something that I could look for that would tell me if a rebuild needs to be done?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

Is there something that I could look for that would tell me if a rebuild needs to be done?

Ayuh,... Does it Work,..?? Does it Leak,..??

If Not,... Run it til it leaks, or Breaks...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Do I need a new drive?

he just said it was old and that I should have it done,

I suspect Don has it right. It sounds like you mechanic needs a paycheck. If it doesn't leak there's no need to even reseal, much less rebuild. Keep up with the basic maintenance - oil change and water pump / impeller change - have it pressure tested and use it!

If and when it needs a rebuild, then it will be time to buy a new aftermarket one from Sterndrive Engineering. Much cheaper than rebuilding..... but it doesn't sound like you are there yet.