merc 228

[dcso]

just aquired a 78 crestliner with a merc 228 in it, the numbers on the drive are 5622197 and to the right of that is 1-50r any idea what drive it is? the floor is shot but the rest is solid as a rock so i think i have a project in store. will the distributer from a 350 fit a 305? the one in the 305 is conventional but i have an electronic one from a 350

thanks

ted

[L&M]

1st. Yes the 350 dist. will work it's the same block as a 350. 2nd. The gear ratio is a 1.5 and that's the same ratio as the 350 as well.

[dcso]

thanks hank

ted

[borderline 350]

Dear DSCO,

Be sure and use all the components that go with the late "electronic distributor". There is a different internal resistance in the coil used with the electronic distributor. And you will need the ignition module that goes with the late electronic distributor (assuming this is a Thunderbolt IV system). If you are short some of the components, I do have the correct parts (far below MERCRUISER prices).

The drive (if original) is known as a "Mercruiser I" drive. Do not confuse this with the later drives known as Alpha Ones. Your original drive has a lifting eye on the top housing cap. Unless "repairs have been performed"

Enjoy your project...It will test your patience level!

Respectfully submitted, Jet Boat Bill

[dcso]

thanks, there isnt a lift eye that why i was wondering if it could be an alpha 1 as i happen to have one in mint condition for a spare, how could i tell?

[keithg]

ted,glad you found a boat.enjoy.

[dcso]

thanks keith,

the price was right, free! the guy just wanted it gone. outside of the floor its in great shape.

ted

[borderline 350]

Dear DSCO,

Now ID gets tough on your old drive. The top bearing cap may have been replaced during its life with a later replacement cap that did not have an eye. Look at the cavitation plate shape and compare it to the Alpha drive. The Mercruiser I drive has a rounded front plate and is smaller then the Alpha Drive. The Alpha drive also has a wider rear cav. plate (and has a squared off shape). The Alpha internally does not have a preload pin on the vertical drive shaft. The Mercruiser I drive has a spring loaded pin in the vertical drive shaft. (Can't see this unless you split the upper and lower gear housing.) hope this helps a little.

Jet Boat Bill

[dcso]

Thanks Borderline

ted

[dcso]

my mistake it does have the lift eye so i guess that makes it s merc 1 so am i right in assuming they are not interchangable? if thats the case i have an alpha 1 drive and engine available

thanks

ted