Replacing gimbal housing - question about oil reservoir

[Fishermark]

I am in the process of replacing my entire transom assembly (late 80's Mercrusier Alpha 1, gen 1). The crate engine I installed last fall came with the plastic reservoir and alarm for the outdrive gear oil. I know this is for the gen 2 outdrives, but isn't there a kit to retrofit a gen 1 to accept the reservoir? Has anyone done this? What all is entailed? I figured it would be much easier to do this now as I am replacing things than later. I do know that the transom assemblies are not interchangable, unfortunately.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Replacing gimbal housing - question about oil reservoir

Fishermark, There is a kit to add a gearcase oil reservoir to a Alpha 1 Gen 1 outdrive. It consists of a stainless steel line that connects (externally)to the top (vent) plug of the upper gearcase, runs though the transom above the waterline, and connects to the reservoir in the boat. The drawback of this system is that if the exposed part of the oil line gets broken(ie. snags on something), you will have an oil spill, and water in the outdrive.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Replacing gimbal housing - question about oil reservoir

The drawback of this system is that if the exposed part of the oil line gets broken(ie. snags on something), you will have an oil spill, and water in the outdrive.

Anyone installed this kit? Drawbacks sound like they outweigh the advantages!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Replacing gimbal housing - question about oil reservoir

we used to install them all the time. they work. for the gennII bottle just plump it up instead of the bottle with the kit.<br /> good luck and keep posting