1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

swingman

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
6
1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

time for a new one !!! had some thing give in my lower unit on my boat, since its a omc stringer drive, not going to repair it its wore out . I ran it every week for 10 years even pulling a parasail, talk about burning gas!!!!!!! anyone need any parts? I heard they are hard to come by now days let me know getting a V-8 this time and a volvo penta drive any suggestions?
 
Joined
Oct 12, 2006
Messages
68
Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

personally, i like bravo drives better. had TRS drives on my donzi, and i beat the tar out of them and they never failed.

odly, im thinking volvo penta makes a better engine package. atleast im positive their EFI system is better than mercruisers. bought 2 volvo penta 502s for my donzi mated to the mercruiser TRS drives and borg warner transmissions. was a sweet set up. never gave me a minutes problem and volvo used to offer a 3 year transferable extended warentee. mercruiser doesnt want to hear from you again once you show them the money. they dont even have any means to get tech help other than refering you to an authorized dealer.

my advise, get a carburated 5.7 and the duo prop. im lovin the bravo 3 right now. really bites the water and it will bog the engine down before it lets go and starts cavitating like a single prop will under a load. one of the best developments for running gear since man invented the propeller.
 

swingman

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
6
Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

ive been curious about the dual prop, and how it was for pulling skiers , parasails etc vs wide open speed, how do they compare any difference
 

whywhyzed

Banned
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
1,871
Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

stick the stuff on eBay - the 3.8 manifolds will be popular, and if it's a 4bbl the manif and carb will be a hot item...
Save the shift cable - worth $100 or so on ebay
If you're giving stuff away... Kagee has a 3.8
I have a spare everything for mine pretty much already...
 

swingman

Cadet
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
6
Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

thanks for the info, its been a great boat but needs to much work , and ready for something a little bigger and faster, what type of drive and engine package is most dependable in your opion
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Re: 1985 , 3.8 omc stringer

Your transom needs a rebuild to accomdate either VP or Merc.

What went in your drive?
 
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