i/o question...WHICH ONE!

realfishytor

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Oct 24, 2011
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Hey all, new here so thanks in advance to anyone that responds. I just bought a 99 Bayliner Cierra Express 2252. It has what i believe is the original 4.3 Mercruiser with Thunderbolt Ignition. The outdrive has no markings on it. How do i know what it is? I always had outboards and need to learn more about what i have so i can do much of the work myself. Thanks
 

cr2k

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Mar 19, 2009
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Re: i/o question...WHICH ONE!

Unless otherwise re-painted they are as follows: Black=Mercuriser, Silver=OMC Cobra, White=Volvo
 

smokeonthewater

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Dec 3, 2009
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Re: i/o question...WHICH ONE!

every cobra I've seen is black and volvos come in black and grey also

He already said he had a mercruiser 4.3..... should be a gen 2 alpha drive

EDIT: older cobras were black... guess the newer ones were silver... oops
 

realfishytor

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Oct 24, 2011
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Re: i/o question...WHICH ONE!

@Smoke..thanks. I have seen and heard about Alpha I, II ECT. Is their a difference between the Alpha's?
 

Fishermark

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Oct 19, 2003
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Re: i/o question...WHICH ONE!

Is their a difference between the Alpha's?

Welcome aboard!

Yes, there is a difference between an Alpha and an Alpha, Gen II. If you go to the top of the page, there is a section there called "For Adults Only" (Don't worry, it isn't what it sounds like). There is some good basic reading and information there in the Mercruiser section.
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: i/o question...WHICH ONE!

Bayliner only uses Mercruisers since the late 80's, so you either have a Alpha I Gen II, or a Bravo drive.
There should be a serial number on the port side of the upper housing, or post a clear picture of the drive and we can probably look at it and tell you what it is.
 
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