El Capitan
Well-Known Member
- Jul 9, 2014
- 3,829
- Boat Info
- 1970 SRV 180 w 2.5L Mercruiser.
2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
- Engines
- 120HP Mercruiser
Are SEI's made in China? I thought they were made here.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
Both of my Alpha's have a magnet in the lower plug. I'm pretty sure the Bravos do, too. If not, definitely get one in there.I would for sure do what you did, maybe find some magnetic plugs to suck the baddy down to the bottom.
Not gospel but per SEI website...Are SEI's made in China? I thought they were made here.
Are SEI's made in China? I thought they were made here.
Not gospel but per SEI website...
Globally sourced parts, assembled Florida.
How many hours do you think you put on it?Fabulous. Long breakin that MUST be adhered to, (details below), But very happy with it. I just got the lower for a B1, at $1200 compared to $3000 for Merc.
At haulout/winterize, mechanic flushed the drive, said no metal in oil. Ran perfect, no hiccups.
Has a 3 year no fault warranty. Means, hit a rock, replace free, anything goes wrong replace free. Cant beat that. Of course return shipping costs are on you, but being in Florida, you could probably drive it to them.
Basically, 10 hours of putting around, dont plan on installing and taking a trip the following week...
How do I break in my new drive?
It is the same if you change just the upper, lower or both. For the first 5 hours do not run a constant RPM. Vary the RPM's every 5 minutes or so. Do not exceed 75% throttle for the first 5 hours. Shift into forward and reverse a minimum of 10 times in the first 5 hours. For hours 5-10 you should do short runs at full throttle. After 10 hours normal operation can resume. Change the gear lube between 10 and 20 hours.
It’s knocking like a solar salesman from the lower. Ran down the river for about an hour yesterday and when I came off plane in the manatees zone, I had a rhythmic thump that followed engine RPM. Only in gear and not affected by steering or trim angle. I limped home and it got a little worse.Installed last winter; breakin most of April; 3 day trips across the Bay, multiple short runs down the river; wife had car wreck 7/19 which ended our boating season.
Maybe 10 12 hours?maybe less.
It’s definitely not subpar. I did a lot of research all last winter before going with SEI. Couldn’t find anyone local owners and mechanics that had a bad word to say.
What is wrong with yours? My original had a prop seal leak and was too corroded to repair. 32 years old.
The Alpha that I replaced ran grief free for six more years that I'm aware of (likely longer). Don't know how many hours that represents, but I would think at least five or six hundred.How many hours do you think you put on it?
I don’t want to sell this boat with a subpar drive, but I’m also trying to limit the bleeding
Thats a shame, if it weren’t for all the old boats here most mechanics be out of business.Nobody wants to touch a 17-year-old anything down here
The gimbal was new in April with oem quicksilver, the universal joints were new in 2019 and fine when I had the drive off in July. I was hoping it would be one or the other, but the sound stays the same in gear only, regardless of steering or trim angle.Thats a shame, if it weren’t for all the old boats here most mechanics be out of business.
Dam shame cause likely you dont need both upper and lower. But without a good guy to examine first you wont know.
Hell man, knocking could be a gimbal bearing and OD fine. 17 years is nothing on an outdrive.
Being January Id keep looking another month for a good mechanic to diagnose first.
That coupler was new 12/19 as well with the upgraded all steel unit. I may change it anyway if the seal leaked all over the rubber.So you’re selling it? I was gonna suggest if pulling engine change the coupler too. Cheap part, easy replacement while engine out, but if selling that’s different. Most buyers dont really appreciate maintenance done that they cant see and don’t understand.
Maintenance is something I never shied away from. Realistically it’s been pretty good for the amount of use it gets. It’s just endless as of late. I knew something major was gonna let go when I pulled the generator for repair . I knew it was 100% guaranteed something was gonna let go when I signed the contract for the upholsteryDam, i should sell mine and buy yours. Mechanic told me my coupler should be replaced, waiting for it to let go and experience the tow of shame.
Preventive maintenance? We dont need no PM!
Was kidding sorry. Wife told me, enjoy this boat, its the last one ever. Ever.Maintenance is something I never shied away from. Realistically it’s been pretty good for the amount of use it gets. It’s just endless as of late. I knew something major was gonna let go when I pulled the generator for repair . I knew it was 100% guaranteed something was gonna let go when I signed the contract for the upholstery
If you’re serious it will be for sale
Correct me if I’m wrong but she did just get a brand new car…Was kidding sorry. Wife told me, enjoy this boat, its the last one ever. Ever.
Thanks all, we are ordering today. Did a lot of research last night. Everyone says following breakin rules are mandatory to longevity.