Some more impeller questions

[bones774]

I want to go over my boat before the season, it's a new boat to me. I feel confident to remove the outdrive and replace impeller on the bench and have some questions.
1) How do i know the difference between alpha 1 generations? it is on a 1988 boat with a 350 merc magnum engine.
2) Can I buy a kit that has all the parts I need, impeller and housing and all gaskets and orings? OEM or aftermarket?
3) do I need a special sealants/ glues on hand and if so where do they go?
4) special grease for the u joints once I open it?
any other tips appreciated.
thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Some more impeller questions

The drive serial number it whats need to determine exactly what you have.This link should get you started in knowing what ,where, when, to use the various sealant, etc.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[Don S]

Re: Some more impeller questions

Here is a link to the OEM service manual all in one download. Same thing as the one Bt posted, but you don't have to download each section.
http://www.4shared.com/file/115650149/5fc7e090/Service_Manual_06.html
Here is a file with how to ID your drive, and the history
http://www.4shared.com/file/213854305/deac4209/Mercruiser_Alpha_ID_and_Histor.html

Might want to look around this link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430 , you will probably find a lot of answers there.

Yes, there are kits available.

While not listed in the manuals, Mercruiser sells grease called Spline Grease, for the coupler splnes, and also something called Ujoint and Gimbal bearing grease. I'll let you figure out where you use those.

 

[bones774]

Re: Some more impeller questions

Well the boat is not here with me but a review of the above indicates my drive is most likely an alpha 1, being a 1988 it fits right square in the center of production. But it's great id info thanks, and i'll hold off buying a kit until certain.
Thanks Don

 

[scutly]

Re: Some more impeller questions

2) Can I buy a kit that has all the parts I need, impeller and housing and all gaskets and orings? OEM or aftermarket?

​

yes you can and I'd advise going OEM for the impeller kit. couple bucks more than aftermarket but certain things you don't want to skimp on. IMHO the most important part of your cooling system is one of those things.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Some more impeller questions

For the gasket, and screws the book recommends prefect seal, unfortunately it only comes in 16 oz cans (more than a 2X lifetime supply). Found brush on non hardening aviation gasket sealant at NAPA for a substitute. Permatex aviation also OK. OEM is the way to go. Good luck.