Good evening, looking at used parts and someone is telling me they have a alpha 1 first gen counter rotation drive. Boat being parted out has props on it that are indeed counter rotating, but wondering if someone just put them on there and it is a standard drive.

Searched other threads and it seems there were some original CR alphas? Or are these just the aftermarket lowers?

What to look for or how to check to see if it is CR?

Thanks to any who can pass along some knowledge.

brian

I am not aware of the existence of an Alpha I CR...only a Alpha II CR.

If it is actually an Alpha 1 and not a pre-alpha then yes, there is a counter rotate lower.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selec...?doc_nbr=99964

Assuming the drive is off the boat be sure it is shifted in forward. Alpha's have to be in forward when you remove and install them. Now turn the input (u-joint) shaft and the prop shaft should turn in the same direction if it CR or left hand rotation. If they turn oppisite of each other than it is a standard right hand rotation drive.

Standing outside of the boat looking at the transom all mercruiser sterndrive ENGINES run counter clockwise or left hand rotation.

Oh this stuff is so confusing. So, is there any way other than by hand? This guy doesn't seem like a real savy boat person, not sure if I would get the right information and end up driving an hour just to find out it is wrong.

No markings huh? maybe he will come back with something and it is an SEI lower unit. maybe? LOL!

Oh well, we will see.

Brian

a counter rotating alpha 1 gen 1 has an" L" stamped on the back of the prop shaft and you put in reverse to remove from the boat.

got a picture of it. The ram location and transom assembly deffinately identify it as a first generation outdrive. The label I guess is proof.

So, what is a drive like this worth? I was intersted in it, but if something breaks, spares are going to be hard to find. Just want to pass along the info to the guy, he originally was told he had TRS drives to sell. Kinda hard to mess that one up! It is in SW Michigan.

You can still get any part you would need for that drive from Mercury. The lower unit is the only thing that makes it CR and you can still get those complete. If it broke I would buy a SEI before repairing it with merc parts. You can get a complete SEI with 3 year warranty for $1500. I would say that one if it works is worth about $5-600. Nothing special about those and wouldn't be that hard to find another. If you are thinking of buying it you better find out what gear ratio it is.

Jim, it was out of a 1986 that had twin 350's, so it should be a 1.5 ratio.

Yeah, I just got newer outdrives for mine and two stainless RH props, so I would also need another LH prop to run CR. I know I can get the SEI lower for $900 in CR and it carries a good warranty.

Counter rotation really takes a back seat right now untill I replace my four risers and I still need one more thermostat housing.

You know, kinda hard to believe someone told him they were TRS drives when the nice sticker says Alpha One! Still, the guy seemed nice and was easy to communicate with.

Thanks.

They were Ok in a dual setup, the big issue is they will not hold the same amount of power that a standard rotation does.