I'm looking to add a lube reservoir to my 1988 alpha. Can I just run the hose in the top screw (vent hole when filling) on the upper drive housing? I think I have seen some kits for this but I'm going to make my own up. I got way to much power to it and I'm trying all I can to make it last 1 more yr. thanks

Yes, that's how the merc kit for the pre 1990 alphas were designed. Here's a link to the kit. I know you said you were looking to make your own. But would atleast give you an idea of the parts they used for it.

http://www.mercstuff.com/reservoir.htm

probly not a bad idea. if nothing else, you see if level is dropping, which means oil is leaving. or water getting in, or both, I think u should buy the fitting for screwing into drive hole. it looks pretty one-off specific to that application.

That's the one. I plan on making the reservoir from diamonplate alum. Prob will buy the fitting for the vent hole yes. I will get some -4 stainless steel braided hose and use. We will see how long it last! I baby it out the hole and don't jump or nothing so I think it will last a yr!! Thanks

you can buy alphas all over the place for 3 to 500 bucks. if u have a spare in the back of the truck, the drive will never fail!!! sometimes best buy is a neglected whole cuddy low performance boat. scrap hull for an additional hundred and sell trailer for more than u paid for whole boat...and have lots of spare little stuff.