1988 Alpha one outdrive leaking oil from upper half out onto ground.

[SloBurn]

I have a 1988 big block 454 with an alpha one Gen I OD. Original!! I do baby the outdrive of course as alpha's don't like the torque of a big block..
Now boat is out of water I see some oil coming out of upper half at forward part of OD, above the split in cases.
Been looking at used outdrives and new from SEI. Hard to find 1.32 gear ratio meant for these bigger motors, so I'm probably gonna go with the SEI outdrive.
$800 for the SEI or $400 for a used 1.32 ratio upper half. ?????? what to do...???

 

[Lar694]

I had the same decision with my old boat. Crack in lower housing. I was able to find a SEI unit for $750-which is the way i was thinking of going-just be aware they will not warranty any Alpha unit behind a 454 (or anything over 300 hp). In the end, I bough a bigger/newer boat!

 

[nickdcj7]

those SEI units seem to be well-made. I replaced my alpha last year with the SE106, 80 or so hours and no problems to report. The powdercoat didn't hold up very well to a full season in brackish water, but that may have been the fault of some dissimilar anodes on my boat.