Installing an SEI Alpha 1 Gen1 Stern Drive on a Boat

[@ProWrenching]

gear lube kit (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3Qh3O0J DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@BradleyFennuk]

My mechanic and I followed the Instructions with the exact same parts that you have in the video and once installed back on the boat, the propeller does not spin freely when the gear shifter is in neutral. I believe that it should. I dont want to start the engine and cause damage if something is not working correctly. We checked the shifter on the outdrive and everything seems to be in its proper place. Thank you

[@ProWrenching]

@@BradleyFennuk check your cable adjustments and make sure they’re correct. If you are still having issues, I would call SEI. You may be having a problem with the drive.

[@davenero8243]

I wish I could be as calm as you.

[@ericorischak2053]

I had the same issue with my Alpha 1 and decided to go this same route. I am taking it out today to start the break in procedures. well done video

[@ProWrenching]

Thanks. I’ve been happy with mine- been working great. .

[@wikid4948]

Sooo glad I saw your video. Gear completely desegrated in the upper. My boat guy says $7K to rebuild. My boat is an 89. Then I saw your video. I went your route. $ 1755 for the whole new unit. Just got it on today. What a savings!

[@ProWrenching]

That’s great to hear! Thank you!

[@nicholasm2239]

I shredded my upper pinion gear somehow too last week. Picked up a se106 been watching all the videos, they've all got something to add it's been great. Task going down on friday

[@cheapme1850]

Bought an SEI unit early last season, and ran it this season with no mechanical issues. The only issue I had was the paint doesn’t seem to hold up as well as a stock unit. I had previously bought a used unit - rebuilders for A1 are very rare and frankly I don’t trust fly by night boat mechanics any more. This was just plug and play and the warranty was a huge selling point.

[@ProWrenching]

Agree- same results I had. I ran mine for a season and didn't have problems, just the paint not holding up. The warranty gives me peace of mind.

[@Chris-oy3vg]

I have the exact set up as you. Can you put part numbers and kit in responce..

[@ProWrenching]

Purchased from Sterndrive Engineering It’s the SE106 1.47 Complete SKU: Fits-Mercruiser-Gen-I-1-47-Ratio-1471017 And also Gen I Installation Kit SKU: Fits-Mercruiser-Gen-I-Installation-Kit

[@KristinMoore]

Great video. Question for you: I am installing an alpha one GEN one stern drive on my boat, but when I have the shifter foot in the street for position as it is shown on every video I’ve watched, the prop locks when turning it clockwise. That seems backwards to me. Am I correct that when you have the shifter foot set in the street for a position that your prop is locking when you try to turn it counterclockwise?

[@ProWrenching]

Yes, on a standard rotation stern drive when the shifter handle is in the forward position, the prop will lock when turned counter clockwise. In neutral, it should spin freely both directions and when in reverse the prop should lock when turned clockwise. Thanks for watching

[@cmennenger]

Based on your experience do you think it's wiser to go with and all new drive unit or rebuild an old unit? I understand the factors associated with the decision such as time, skill and budget. Just interested in your thoughts on rebuild vs new. Take care.

[@ProWrenching]

The parts to rebuild an outdrive can cost as much as an aftermarket replacement. And then the unit won’t last if it’s not set up right by the reseller. I liked the three-year warranty that the SEI unit has and so I figured it was worth it. Rebuilding the outdrive can be very tricky, so in order to last they need to be rebuilt by a certified mechanic that has lots of experience.

[@cmennenger]

@@ProWrenching that's how I see it as well. Tough nut to crack but probably better in the long run. Unless the aftermarket parts are full of chinesium then maybe not worth the cost.

[@DavidTison]

The warranty is useless. Bought an SEI Aplha 1 gen2 has less than 22 hrs and all the paint on the lower unit is gone. Looks 22 years old not 22 hrs. It is on a lift so it is only in the water when used. Obviously it wasn't primed. SEI offered to fix it, all I had to do was have it removed drained and shipped to them. Where they would, "see " if it's covered. Then of course re- install and add new oil. 1000 bucks to fix 20 dollar paint job. I declined their offer . Just sending me the paint and primer woulda made me happy but..NOOOOOOOOOO. They told me that's how they treat ,"EVERYONE", like that was gonna make me feel better. Not impressed with their service to say the least.

[@ProWrenching]

I was disappointed with the paint chipping on mine as well. However I will say, after a year and a half of heavy use, my output shaft on the lower unit developed an oil leak. I sent it in to SEI for warranty repair and they honored it with no problem. They sent me a new lower unit. I paid for the shipping to send it to them (around $70) and they shipped me the new unit at their cost. I was satisified with the warranty process, in my case.

[@cmennenger]

Thats a damn nice kit. Have you run it hard yet?

[@ProWrenching]

No, I am about 5 hours into the 10 hour break in procedure. I am looking forward to giving it a good run after that.

[@terrellnelson710]

I cant get mines back in. I wiggled and wiggled. Nothing. Im having a hard time getting it back in. Any recommendations?

[@ProWrenching]

You might try moving the propeller to line up the shaft.