twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

[collings.marion]

I have a pair of 140hp OMC sea drives.<br /><br />They are not aligning properly. I beleive there is supposed to be some amount of "toe", but I don't know how much.<br /><br />How do I adjust the "toe"?<br /><br />ccmarion

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

You are correct about the alignment.Where I work,we seldom see dual engine anything.But I know what you mean,because it is covered in the OMC manual,and you need to access one.You might find a dealer that can do this,but I am suggesting the manual because your drive system is outdating,and you should have one.<br /><br />Good luck.How did you know you had a problem??<br /><br />DHP

 

[collings.marion]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

lock to lock, they are out by about 30 degrees...I am betting it should be about 5 degrees but have not found anybody with experience.<br /><br />Do you know where I could find a manual for these? they are 1982 or 83 vintage

 

[Dhadley]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

If they have the factory steering with the equalizer valve (hydraulic tie bar) , you simply turn them hard over to hard over and they automaticaly come back to straight ahead.

 

[collings.marion]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

so they are supposed to be self calibrating?<br /><br />I will need to go back to the yard next week, but I don't think they are doing this. What should I look for first?

 

[collings.marion]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

my pair have about 30 degrees of toe. If they are turned lock to lock this remains about the same. If they should re-set; what should I look for?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

As they sit they will naturally get unaligned. If you turn the steering one way as far as it will go until both motors stop (one will stop first), then turn the other way until both stop moving it should realign both. If the valve has been removed or a different type steering installed you will have to follow that manufacturers instructions.

 

[Solittle]

Re: twin OMC Sea Drive steering problems

I have a pair of 1987 1.6L 110 hp SeaDrives with independent hydraulic steering (Hynautic) for each motor (no tie bar that I know of). If you have the same, when they get out of whack turn them to either the port or starboard limit. Then take both hands and force beyond the limit. This opens an override valve in one or the other hydraulic assemblies and the motors will center.<br /><br />When I first got my boat 12 years ago I had to do this a couple of times a day. I found out that this was caused by air in the system. Get the air out and the problem goes away.<br /><br />I got my manual here:<br /><br /> http://www.theoutboardwizard.bizhosting.com/parts_service_and_owners_manuals.html <br /><br />Get the parts manual as well. I have had no problems with mine so far but they are much more complex than the normal set-up.