Alpha One Transom Plate

[cvsa78]

We told by mechanic today that the motor has to removed to replace a deteriorated transom plate. My 250 DA has a Alpha One drive. I was poking around CSR looking for similar posts. It seems my transom plate has corroded just below the grease fitting. My question is... Can I carefully clean up the area, tap 4 holes and fabricate a cover and seal. I do not have the money for a proper repair as I just found employment after 9 months. The entire assembly is not sloppy or worn.

 

[SCORPIO]

If you're comfortable with doing what you said and can do it yourself, I'd try it, you have nothing to loose and it may work and save you some bucks. You can always do what the mechanic stated in the future when you have the money.
JMHO

 

[cvsa78]

What type of paint should be used on the outdrive and all the brackets? Mine looks like somebody sprayed an ablative outdrive paint.

I'm going to give the plate a try if it doesn't work then at least I tried.

 

[MaddyDean]

Congrats on the job---Credit card to make the repair bro. could end up being more money in the long run if things fail.

However, if you trailer, then maybe, just maybe.

I just hate to see it turn into more of a headache for you.

 

[Fun Times]

I must say I believe one of the main sources of how your transom housing assembly has gotten that much corrosion on it to begin with is because of the way the the paint from the bottom painting of the boat is touching the transom housing assembly.

The paint would need to be about inch and a half away from the transom housing assembly to prevent corrosion to the transom assembly and drive.:wink:

IMHO, You should remove an inch and a half of paint away from the transom assembly, As per the Merc service manual.... Manual #11, section 1B, page 15 for example.

Good luck with it.

Page 1B-15
Checking Optional Quicksilver Anti-Corrosion Anode Kit
If boat is equipped with Quicksilver Anti-Corrosion Anode Kit, inspect anode and replace if
eroded to less than 50% of its original size. Carefully follow installation instructions, that accompany
new Anode Kit, to ensure proper installation.
Boat Bottom Care
To achieve maximum performance and fuel economy, boat bottom MUST BE kept clean.
Accumulation of marine growth or other foreign matter can greatly reduce boat speed and
increase fuel consumption. To ensure best performance and efficiency, periodically clean
boat bottom in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
In some areas, it may be advisable to paint the bottom to help prevent marine growth. Refer
to the following information for special notes about the use of antifouling paints.
Antifouling Paint
IMPORTANT: Corrosion damage that results from the improper application of antifouling
paint will not be covered by the limited warranty.
Painting Boat Hull or Boat Transom: Antifouling paint may be applied to boat hull and boat
transom but you must observe the following precautions:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT paint anodes or MerCathode System reference electrode and
anode, as this will render them ineffective as galvanic corrosion inhibitors.
IMPORTANT: If antifouling protection is required for boat hull or boat transom, copper
or tin base paints, if not prohibited by law, can be used. If using copper or tin
based antifouling paints, observe the following:
• Avoid an electrical interconnection between the MerCruiser Product, Anodic Blocks,
or MerCathode System and the paint by allowing a minimum of 1-1/2 in. (40mm) UNPAINTED
area on transom of the boat around these items.
71176
a
b
a - Painted Boat Transom
b - Minimum 1-1/2 in (40mm) UNPAINTED Area Around Transom Assembly
NOTE: Drive unit and transom assembly can be painted with a good quality marine paint
or an antifouling paint that DOES NOT contain copper, tin, or any other material that could
conduct electrical current. Do not paint drain holes, anodes, MerCathode system, and items
specified by boat manufacturer.
Maintaining Ground Circuit Continuity
The transom assembly and sterndrive unit are equipped with a ground wire circuit, to ensure
good electrical continuity between engine, transom assembly and sterndrive components.
Good continuity is essential for the MerCathode System to function effectively. Refer to Section
7.

 

[SCORPIO]

How are your zincs? Do you have Mercathodes on this drive? Is it working?

 

[cvsa78]

I have the mercathodes and they are working. I have some more work to do, but today I tig welded in a aluminium plate. Everything seems to be sealed. I have to clean out the remainder of the metal and clean up the bottom paint mess. Then I can finally get to the bellows which started this whole thing.

 

[SCORPIO]

Sounds like you have done a good quality repair, I would not worry about it, should out last the rest of the outdrive.

 

[Alibuma]

CVSA, what is that braided hose to the left of your outdrive? Is that an aftermarket remote gear lube reservoir?

 

[cvsa78]

I thought the remote gear lube reservoir was factory. Everything has Mercruiser on it except the hose.

 

[Alibuma]

I havent seen any alphas where the oil reservoir was standard equipment, but I know Mercruiser makes a kit. I dont have one and want to add one to my boat. Does that hose just scew into the gear lube vent hole in the upper unit? Do you ever have any problems with it?

 

[cvsa78]

This is my first year with this boat. Don't really know too much about what is stock or not. It seems like a nice piece of hardware. I have posted a picture of the transom assembly but if you look close you will see the bottom of the reservoir. If you would like when I get home tonight I could take a couple of pics and get some part numbers.

 

[Alibuma]

Thanks... dont worry about more pics or part numbers, I know where to find the kit. I have just been apprehensive because it will require another hole in the transom and there is potential to snag something on the reservoir line on the outside of the boat. After seeing that other people do have them, it makes me more comfortable. I think that will have to be on my 2011 pre-splash projects list, though.