1985 omc 3.8 bellows leak

[seang]

Hi
I am new to boats but not mechanical repairs I picked up a 1985 Thundercraft Flamingo with a 3.8 v6 and not sure what the outdrive is tag says model 983487
serial J347621 I am trying to find the procedure to remove the out drive so I can replace the large bellows cant seem to find much information on this the outdrive has OMC V6 on it I am thinking it is an 800 serires but not sure any info would be appreciated thanks Sean

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard seang:

An '85 OMC 800 won't have bellows. There's a big rubber boot on the transom instead.

I'm not sure the procedure for disconnecting the shift on a Mechanical Shift Stringer, but the rest is pretty easy. You'll want a manual which you can pick up HERE.

 

[seang]

Welcome aboard seang:

An '85 OMC 800 won't have bellows. There's a big rubber boot on the transom instead.

I'm not sure the procedure for disconnecting the shift on a Mechanical Shift Stringer, but the rest is pretty easy. You'll want a manual which you can pick up HERE.

Thanks for the reply ..I have ordered a selloc manual from Amazon ....yes a large rubber boot about 21 screws hold it on cant seem to find much info on removing the outdrive ....tried to post pics but keeps coming up invalid file

 

[southkogs]

You've got to make a third post before you can upload photos.

The manual will give you instructions on removing the drive. It's the shift cable that I can't help you with ... and you wanna' be real careful with that mug: they ain't cheap! After that, pull the pivot caps - undo the clamps on the pivot arms while supporting the drive on the quadrant gear - when it's loose, ya' roll her off the trunions and carry it off to where you wanna' set it (I made a stand for mine that I lower it into from the boat).

I just don't really understand your shift converter box enough to give you a hand on that part.

From what I understand on those boots - go for the OEM. They supposedly do last longer than the aftermarket stuff ... I've never changed mine and assume it's at least 20 years old. You can find the one you need HERE. Part number for your seal is 0909527.

Your engine (don't worry about the drive) should have a tag on it somewhere - mine is on the rear, starboard motor mount - and should have a number on it sorta' like: 382FTMRCOM 1985. Use that number to locate your actual system, and get your part numbers.

 

[seang]

I am waiting for the manual but in the mean time loosening bolts and coating them with anti seize anyone know what position the shifter should be in when removing the shift cable ?( I am assuming neutral )
​from what I can tell looking through pic on the internet I have an 800 series drive with the cut out for the anode

 

[seang]

You've got to make a third post before you can upload photos.

The manual will give you instructions on removing the drive. It's the shift cable that I can't help you with ... and you wanna' be real careful with that mug: they ain't cheap! After that, pull the pivot caps - undo the clamps on the pivot arms while supporting the drive on the quadrant gear - when it's loose, ya' roll her off the trunions and carry it off to where you wanna' set it (I made a stand for mine that I lower it into from the boat).

I just don't really understand your shift converter box enough to give you a hand on that part.

From what I understand on those boots - go for the OEM. They supposedly do last longer than the aftermarket stuff ... I've never changed mine and assume it's at least 20 years old. You can find the one you need HERE. Part number for your seal is 0909527.

Your engine (don't worry about the drive) should have a tag on it somewhere - mine is on the rear, starboard motor mount - and should have a number on it sorta' like: 382FTMRCOM 1985. Use that number to locate your actual system, and get your part numbers.

thanks for the info is omc and Evinrude the same company ?

 

[southkogs]

thanks for the info is omc and Evinrude the same company ?

Sorta' ... but, not anymore ...

OMC is gone and no more. Evinced and Johnson are both now owned Bombardier (I think). Back in the days when our sterndrives were built, Evinrude was part of OMC.

 

[seang]

You've got to make a third post before you can upload photos.

The manual will give you instructions on removing the drive. It's the shift cable that I can't help you with ... and you wanna' be real careful with that mug: they ain't cheap! After that, pull the pivot caps - undo the clamps on the pivot arms while supporting the drive on the quadrant gear - when it's loose, ya' roll her off the trunions and carry it off to where you wanna' set it (I made a stand for mine that I lower it into from the boat).

I just don't really understand your shift converter box enough to give you a hand on that part.

From what I understand on those boots - go for the OEM. They supposedly do last longer than the aftermarket stuff ... I've never changed mine and assume it's at least 20 years old. You can find the one you need HERE. Part number for your seal is 0909527.

Your engine (don't worry about the drive) should have a tag on it somewhere - mine is on the rear, starboard motor mount - and should have a number on it sorta' like: 382FTMRCOM 1985. Use that number to locate your actual system, and get your part numbers.

Ok found my numbers 384SPMRCOM MODEL AND SERIAL IS J840826

 

[southkogs]

SN doesn't mean much, but that model number is what you'll use to help you determine parts for both the engine and the stern drive.

 

[seang]

SN doesn't mean much, but that model number is what you'll use to help you determine parts for both the engine and the stern drive.

Ok thanks

 

[swaycleveland]

youtube has a great video on the shift cable removal from the box.. i just did my boot this spring. technically you can slip that big ol boot off and on without removing the drive. lots of soap and water but it can be done pretty easily. I tried it just to see how easily i could if i wanted to in the future.