OMC Tools?

[DukesFin]

Okay, I've read the manual enough to feel comfortable replacing the drive shaft seals in the intermediate drive... (and looked into the cost of having the job done elsewhere)... If I only had the tools noted in the repair manual...<br /><br />OMC Tool #'s:<br /><br />980336 - Ball Gear Holder<br />Mac Tool: BS-2<br />308100 - Oil Retainer Tool<br />311873 - Bearing Press<br />908286 - Shim Gauge Tool<br /><br />Having years of construction experience, I am a big believer in the saying "The right tools for the job".<br /><br />Are there alternatives to the tools mentioned above? If not, where can I find these?

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Tools?

I R&R'd mine without any of the above.<br /><br />The shim guage is only necessary if you are replacing the bearing. If you are careful in removing the bearing cap (the cover with the 4 bolts)you may be able to reuse the shims. If they are damage, you will need a micrometer to measure their thickness. I bought the shim kit which came with various sizes so I was able to match up the thickness of the old shims.<br /><br />After pulling the driveshaft, I wrapped a towel around the ball gear an held it in my bench vise. After a little heat and my trusty impact wrench, the gear came off with only moderate resistance. <br /><br />A standrd seal installation tool kit (from Harbor Frieght Tools) was used to intstall the new seals. <br /><br />I found it all to be much easier with the intermediate housing on my work bench. I purchased a reseal kit which also included new seals for the tilt housing. My bet is you have water there too.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: OMC Tools?

Did you use this kit:<br /><br /> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=35555 <br /><br />or this one...<br /><br /> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92387 <br /><br />My guess would be the first, but if I purchased both, I'd still be much lower in cost than the labor of a mechanic!!!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Tools?

The first one. I also bought another one for smaller size seals and bushings.<br /><br />You can use THIS for parts reference.<br /><br />I purchased the parts @ ebasicpower.com, just up the road from you a piece. Iboats has very little availability on Stringer parts.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: OMC Tools?

You said you removed the intermediate housing to do your work and it made it easier...<br /><br />Did you do that without removing the engine? I haven't taken the transom seal off (and I'd rather not do that), but I'm wondering if there is enough room to get all the bolts out from outside or inside the transom...<br /><br />I'm sure that removing the housing would be beneficial, but just don't want to do more than I "need" to. I'm not lazy, but "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Tools?

No, the engine remained in the boat. The transom seal was removed... it needed replaced anyway... and the nuts were removed... some from below, through the transom opening, and some from up top inside the boat. There are 8 or 10 nuts that you have to remove and on my boat, the steering box as well.<br /><br />It's not hard, just tedius. Do what you think is best for your situation. For me, it was a winter project, so I was in no hurry.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: OMC Tools?

I guess I'll pull the whole "shebang". Since I'm getting imulsified oil in the bilge, the outer seal replacement will keep water from entering, but the main seal to the bell housing will keep the oil in as well...<br /><br />Don't you hate it when you ask a question before you really think it through???<br /><br />He, he!<br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Tools?

I think you'll have an easier time replacing the inner seals with it out. Remember to place them facing each other. Good luck!