Mercruiser produced several models of sterndrives before the Alpha One was introduced.
These include the common "R" sterndrive, 888 sterndrive, 898 sterndrive, I and MR as well as others.
The Alpha One was an improved design.
Changes included cutting the lower gears at an opposite angle and changing the bearing load design
on the lower drivehshaft. This allowed for a much more stable pinion gear clearance for added strength.
Before ordering parts for your Alpha One drive, try to identify your unit.
We use such clues as: serial number, model year, color, number of hoses to each trim cylinder,
reverse lock system, whether there is a pre-load pin on top of the lower driveshaft, number
of splines on lower driveshaft, material of water pump base, whether there is a nut holding the
small bearing on to the top shaft, appearence of top cap and more.
Rebuilding or Repairing a sterndrive can be a difficult endeavor, however, we have numerous customers
who successfully complete all kinds of repairs at a great savings.
Most customers start by buying a Service Manual.
Manuals are used on a regular basis even by our most experienced Mercruiser Techs. The manuals show all the procedures and
they have a list of the special tools required to complete the job if required. It's a great idea to have a manual even
if you don't perform the repair yourself because you can get a good idea as to what your tech should be doing.
Outdrives.Net can help you select the parts you need.
We have years of experience in accurate parts selection and options and we will be able to narrow down your request.
Simply fill out a Parts Request Email below:
Try to be as complete and specific as possible.
Always include your engine and/or sterndrive serial number whenever possible.
We answer most requests withing an hour or less during normal business hours.
Otherwise, we will respond first thing the next morning.