This isn't my first rodeo

Aaron74separator wrote: Thank you..I had just changed the oil last week and now I'll have to do it again! Lol

While I have never owned or worked on an outdrive are they not just like an outboard's lower unit? You do not need to drain the oil on them to change the impeller.

Thank you!!

Aaron74separator wrote: Does anyone know an easy way to determine whether I have a generation 1 or 2 Alphadrive? All of the identifying markings seem to be missing or wore off.

RWP identification

BTW Aaron, this thread will get you out of the "first rodeo" as your title mentions!

Aaron74separator wrote: Thank you for the engine information! As far as the impeller and doing the job without draining the oil, how is that possible when I have to separate the upper unit from the lower unit?

Because the oil is in the lower unit and the RWP is in the upper that doesn't have any oil.

Does anyone know an easy way to determine whether I have a generation 1 or 2 Alphadrive? All of the identifying markings seem to be missing or wore off.

By the way, if you just changed the outdrive oil last week, you can do the impeller job without draining the oil.

If you want an easy way to distinguish a 302 from a 351 measure from an intake manifold mounting bolt on the left side to the right side. It's easy to check on the engine with a tape measure.

If it's a 351W, the centerline distance will be about 9 1/4 inches

If it's a 302, the centerline distance will be about 7 1/2 inches

The picture is a 351w

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mmi7aysv34lb4da/667F9BF3-A0F6-4FD0-BFD5-E24AAFB8C148.JPG?dl=0

Thank you for that information. The hose running from the outdrive to the circulation pump just looked odd to me. I'm assuming then that my impeller is also located in the outdrive?

It is a small block Ford.. 4 bbl carb. It's either a 302 or 351W. The outboard is an Alpha 1. Pictures will be sent momentarily.

I recently bought my first Correct Craft 1974 separator. It was the same 1974 Separator advertised here in 2014, I missed it then but I have it now. In my excitement to finally have this boat I failed to notice the missing raw water pump. It is not a closed system ..
The water is sucked through the Outdrive by the circulation pump and is then distributed everywhere. Also, there is no thermostat. My plan of attack is to find a Sherwood pump..not the exact one for my boat but close, as well as a thermostat. Prior to getting these items I wanted to verify with experts on here whether...1st this is a "special" engine that only relies on the circulation pump to do everything..which I highly doubt. Second..what else do I need to do to compensate for this obvious lack of engineering expertise? I am certain the circulation pump has been over-taxed and needs replacement as well. Third, does anyone have a diagram showing the plumbing so I can sort this mess out in a timely fashion? I Already know the answer to the first question because this is not my 1st rodeo.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!