parts availability for a 75 mercruise(MC-1) outdriver

[bouncefactor]

Looking to buy an all original 1975 22 foot starcraft SS with the 165 mercruiser straight 6(gm 250 engine) with what I think is an MC-1 outdrive(stickers just say mercruiser on it did not get model number off it but boat is a survivor). I am not worried about the parts or working on the engine but the outdrive worries me for parts. Boat has been sitting inside for years engine started on muffs supposedly. I am thinking the outdrive is going to need everything from bellows to all seals. Are these parts readily available? is there a chance this boat did not come with mc-1 ?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: parts availability for a 75 mercruise(MC-1) outdriver

Routine parts are not a problem. Bellows, seals, u-joints, shift cable, impeller all readily available. If you have any internal drive damage, the cost of repair might exceed the cost of a new aftermarket drive.

Here is a chart from the Adults Only sticky at the beginning of this fourm. It looks like the drive should be MC-1 according to the year.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: parts availability for a 75 mercruise(MC-1) outdriver

I haven't had issues getting maintenance parts for my 1972 MC1 drive, seals, bellows, impeller, etc.

With the term laid up for years I'd definitely replace the bellows and impeller, water hose, (shift cable?). The drive seals could be a crap shoot as it could/should have been resealed in the last 40 years, but how often and when was the last time.....

Worst case, a complete new aftermarket SEI drive is $1200.

 

[MikDee]

Re: parts availability for a 75 mercruise(MC-1) outdriver

I've had 5- MC-1 Drives on 5 different used boats, never had a problem with them. Nor, never had a problem getting parts!

I even had a 165hp Merc (like yours) in an 18.5 ft Wellcraft Airslot bowrider along the way.