Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

[bianchija]

Hi,

I need to replace the upper housing on my OMC electic shift stern drive. I have the True Course steering system.

I have a lead on an upper housing with the push rod steering system. Is there any way to swap these out for one-another? Or, is this a bigger project than I want to take on?

Thanks!
Joe

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

Whats wrong with the upper housing?

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

I will take a shot at this one. I have done a great deal of pricing both on the Internet and particulary with E-Bay on all kinds of stuff related to the OMC Stringer. IMHO, I suggest you keep looking for a True Coarse Steering Upper Gear Case. Retrofitting a Manual Type Upper is not something you want to do. Not knowing if you have an OMC Engine to get Model Information from, Take a look at the top of the Gear Case, Portside for a Medallion about the size of a quarter. You may have to remove the paint from it but it will give you the HP for that drive. This is of coarse assuming that a different Gear Set has not been installed. Also look in behind the Ball Gear area for a stamp on the Bearing Retainer for Possible Gear Set Ratio's. Use this to assist you in getting a good upper that does not need to be resealed because you do not want to do that either. There are several others that will chime in on this also so you should get a variety of opinions.

 

[bianchija]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

Actually, I'm not sure if it's the upper housing. My engine froze last summer while running. I thought it was the engine, but I removed it a week ago and that's not the problem.

Therefore I have to assume either the intermediate housing or the sterndrive failed. The lower unit is spinning free, so I believe it's either the upper housing, or intermediate housing.

Thanks for the thought on the change from true course to push rod steering. I don't want to get into another big project with this thing and will stay away from this option.

Thanks!
Joe

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

Let's see.....Intermediate Casings do not have seizures too often, yet you should check for the presence and condition of Oil in it. Upper Gear Housing Oil should be checked for both Water Intrusion and Metal flakes. The later being the more important at this time. Although the entire Outdrive depends on being immersed in water for most its cooling, a toasted Impeller can ruin your day also. Impeller is mounted to the bottom of the Upper Gear Case.

 

[bianchija]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

Thank you for your thoughts. One major concern I have is the oil in the intermediate housing. I am always changing the oil in the engine and outdrive, but did not eve realize there was an oil resevoir in the intermiate housing.

My next step is to remove the outdrive and test the intermiate housing to see if it turns freely. At that point I can probably isolate the issue, don't you think?

Thanks again!
Joe

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

Sounds like the upper gearcase seized. Had that happen to me once, out in the ocean. There was a horrible screech and the boat just fell off the plane. I thought for sure it was the motor seizing. But after the boat settled, I put it in nuetral and she fired right up.

Had to get towed in by the Coast Guard that day. I always learned to check the fluids after that.

You may not need a new upper case. I'd take it apart and check the damage. If you do need the case, you can use the one you describe. You will need some parts from your existing upper to convert it to the tru-course. Then just remove the external bracket and stick some bolts in the holes.

I other words, there is no difference in the two other than the external steering having some parts pulled out of it.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

I believe you may be narrowing it down. While you are messing around with the Intermediate Housing and will be inspecting the Upper and Lower Gearcase since it will be taken off take note of all Grease Fittings. You will probably find more than you thought you had. In particular a plastic plug located on the Exhaust Housing side facing stern of boat near where the housing meets up with lower. If it is there, remove it and look inside with a flashlight. There is one recessed a good 4-6 inches. That fitting greases the connection (Swivel Housing) where your Upper Gear Case Drive Shaft meets and engages your Lower Gear Case. You would be surprised how many folks don't know that it even exists. As a note to that it is not an uncommon reason for Lower Gear Case Failures.

:% PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THAT ELECTRIC SHIFT CABLE :%​

 

[Lyndy]

Re: Swapping OMC Sterndrive Upper Housing

In particular a plastic plug located on the Exhaust Housing side facing stern of boat near where the housing meets up with lower. If it is there, remove it and look inside with a flashlight. There is one recessed a good 4-6 inches. That fitting greases the connection (Swivel Housing) where your Upper Gear Case Drive Shaft meets and engages your Lower Gear Case. You would be surprised how many folks don't know that it even exists. As a note to that it is not an uncommon reason for Lower Gear Case Failures.

I have found a good picture of that Swivel Housing so you can see where the fittings are: