1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

[ljshein]

I went looking at a possible boat purchase today, a 1990 Chris Craft 198 Cuddy with a 4.3 V6 OMC setup.<br /><br />The boat was in ok condition overall but there was an issue or two. The gaugues weren't working but that wasn't too bad, I'm pretty good machanically. The big question is the outdrive. At all RPM, the setup is damn noisy. It sounds like a bearing noise from behind the engine. The current owner says he had the outdrive off, replaced the gimbel bearings, flushed the lower unit oil but the noise is still there.<br /><br />I'm familiar with outboard setups but not I/O. If someone has an idea or three on what the noise might be and how expensive the repair might be I would really appreciate the advice.<br /><br />I have a few days to make my decision.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Jeff

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

Normally I would suspect the gimble bearing first off but it's also possible it could be the u-joints. A better test of this would be to turn the steering from side to side and raise lower the drivewhile it's running (idle), this will put more stress on the u-joints and may increase the noise while you're doing it. How recent did he replace the gimble? Did he replace the bellows as well, if the bellows is leaking any water the new gimble won't last either.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

IF the drive had water in it, just changing the gear lube won't cure damaged bearings and gears. And don't expect the seller to tell you how much or how long the water was in the drive or bellows or anything else. He is trying to sell it, not fix it so he can run it.<br />OMC has also been out of buisness for over 10 years. <br />Save yourself the headaches, and Don't buy into a problem boat, go looking for something else.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

OMC has also been out of buisness for over 10 years. <br />Save yourself the headaches, and Don't buy into a problem boat, go looking for something else.

Ayuh,.............<br /><br />Free wouldn't be Cheap Enough............

 

[ljshein]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

Bob,<br /><br />thanks for the quick reply. The boat hasn't been in the water since the bearing was replaced a few weeks ago.<br /><br />I'll be back next Saturday to put it in the water and I will try your suggesting.<br /><br />I'll ask about the bellows and try your suggestion. If the u-joint did need to be replaced, can it be done through the outdrive without pulling the motor and assuming I get the get the right manuals and can do the labor myself, how expensive (ballpark) are the parts?<br /><br />Jeff

 

[bomar76]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

What part of run away wasn't clear?

 

[ljshein]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

Wow, I didn't realize OMC has been out that long. <br /><br />I've got a Force outboard now and I hate having a product that has been off the market for 10+ years. I loved the boat otherwise but I don't want to go down that path again.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice guys!<br />Jeff

 

[ljshein]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

Hey Bomar, go easy I was in the middle of replying to the first posts while the next two came in.

 

[bandsaw48]

Re: 1990 OMC 4.3 V6 noisy bearing

Price a rebuilt upper and lower unit and then decide. The units require a lot of stuff that most of us don't have ... like a hydraulic press, ring pliers the size of garden shears etc. etc..<br /><br />I hace a cobra outdrive whose prop shaft seal just gave way... fluid leaked out and upper pinion gear bearing seized. I wish I could replace but forced to repair myself.