Lost Propulsion! Need Help! Reply ASAP!!

tpenfield

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You posted this on THT as well. :unsure: Were you able to verify if the propeller was OK? If so, let us know what you find out once you pull the outdrive.

Don't assume anything at this point. I've seen Alphas strip their gears, but that is usually due to water sports and messing around with high speed turns. Coupler is a possibility, so the engine would need to come out.
 

Scott Danforth

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Mercruiser assembly, you might say is perfect. Lab coat kind of perfect.... GM had Mercruiser build the ZR1 C4 Corvette engine ( Lotus designed ) if it tells you anything.. The price reflects the build quality, and the question becomes, is that high of a quality necessary. With a 3.0L, rebuild tolorances are probably good enough and SEI will provide that level of accuracy, which is basically good enough, for 1/2 the cost or so
Mercruiser also built the 470 and the Vaser
 

matt167

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Mercruiser also built the 470 and the Vaser
True, but in general their manufacturing tolorances are spot on.

They also built most of the GM performance crate engines in the 90's and 2000's iirc. I know the ZZ502 was a Mercruiser build
 

CaptainP

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Apr 12, 2021
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The THT folks are waiting for an answer to post #27.
You posted this on THT as well. :unsure: Were you able to verify if the propeller was OK? If so, let us know what you find out once you pull the outdrive.

Don't assume anything at this point. I've seen Alphas strip their gears, but that is usually due to water sports and messing around with high speed turns. Coupler is a possibility, so the engine would need to come out.
Got to get a trailer and getting it from a family friend who runs a wholesale trailer company. I hit my 5 post in 24hr limit on THT which I didn’t know about and is pretty lame given I can’t respond to anyone for that allotted time. I am off Thursday and Friday so will be up there to check on what I can!! Just working days don’t want to be out there at night!

Will definitely keep y’all posted! Thank you for the quick responses. HIGHLY APPRECIATE IT!
 

nola mike

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In the water, you might be able to pull the top cap on the outdrive to look at the gears, but it really doesn't matter. Drive needs to come off.
You posted this on THT as well. :unsure: Were you able to verify if the propeller was OK? If so, let us know what you find out once you pull the outdrive.

Don't assume anything at this point. I've seen Alphas strip their gears, but that is usually due to water sports and messing around with high speed turns. Coupler is a possibility, so the engine would need to come out.
We're all jumping to the outdrive/coupler. This could still be an engine issue. No answer to the "do the rpms increase but no go" question, which is the entry criteria to the stripped gears/coupler/spun prop club.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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True, but in general their manufacturing tolorances are spot on.

They also built most of the GM performance crate engines in the 90's and 2000's iirc. I know the ZZ502 was a Mercruiser build
no, in general they got parts from GMPP and built their own motors. only the ZR1 was manufactured and built by Mercruiser for GM. the GMPP crate motors were built in the Wixom plant until 2013, then moved to the Bowling Green corvette plant.https://www.autonews.com/article/20130914/OEM01/309169997/gm-to-move-hand-built-engine-program
 

poconojoe

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My boat is also a 185. Different manufacturer, but same size. It's very easy to trailer.

Once you get the trailer and it's properly setup for your boat, you will easily be able to pull it out at any given time. (As long as your vehicle is up to it).
There are so many maintenance items you need to perform out of the water.

I have slipped my boat a couple of seasons in the past, but now I only trailer it. It's so nice to have it at home where I can keep an eye on it, clean and maintain it regularly. I don't have to worry if my bilgle pump or battery is functioning if we get a torrential downpour.
Plus, I'm not paying for a slip.

Also, even in fresh water, it's amazing how much crap attaches itself to your boat after being in the water for months.
 
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