Engine & Outdrive Help

[woody619]

Hi,
I just found out I have a Chevy 350 engine in the boat I just bought. And I can't find any identifying information on the outdrive.

Can you guys tell me about the setup I have? Good or Bad?
Can you guys ID my outdrive?
Anything you can tell me would help.


This is what I found online online on my engine, couldn't really find much more...
Casting # 10054727
1986-up
350
2/4 one piece rear seal, some "Made in Canada"

Any information is highly appreciated, this is my first boat and I really don't know much. Thanks

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

Outdrive appears to be a pre-alpha from the drive hook loop on the top of the upper unit. For all intents and purposes you can use alpha I info to troubleshoot anything. Gear ratio *should* be 1.50:1 for the 350, but if it's not the original drive then who knows. You'd have to experiment in the water to see what WOT rpms you get in comparison with the prop size.

What year/boat model is this in? Pics of the engine?

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

I'm no expert here compared to others, but it appears like your drive is a pre-Alpha Mercruiser drive. Not sure when the Alphas came out but I'm reasonably sure they didn't have that little "hook" thing on the very top cover of the drive. Prior to the Alpha drive I don't think (not sure either) there were many models of Mercruiser drives.
What year is the boat? Likely the drive is the same year. Typically the VIN of the boat will have the year in it. VIN number should be on the transom of the boat, typically towards the top.
Nothing wrong the drive, there's tons of them out there.
Oh, look carefully on the top of the transom shield (the black thing that is bolted to the transom of the boat that the outdrive is connected to) kind of right beneath your swim platform, , there might be an ID number stamped in the casting somewhere. Find that and you should be on your way to ID ing your drive.

 

[woody619]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

It's a 1979 boat. I'll take a closer look, maybe I missed it (outdrive). Man, i wish the guy I bought the boat from would just be upfront and told me everything about the boat straight... so frustrating, trying to figure it out... Thanks for the help guys!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

It being a '79 makes it likely the pre-alpha. The Alpha I didn't exist then, and the other visual signs point to pre-alpha as well. They are good strong units that handle up to 300HP. The engine may be a replacement engine if it is a 1984 casting though.

 

[woody619]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

Hi,
Does anyone know where I can get the service manual for the Pre Alpha drive? I looked in the adults only section and see #6 & #14. But they look to new as mine's probably a'79. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine & Outdrive Help

Ayuh,... Look in #1 or #2....