Ball Gear Pains / Lube???

[RDSJR]

I recently purchased a 82 Century with the OMC 800 cable shift stern drive. I didnt knkw much about these unfortunately until after I purchased the boat. The seller told me that all it needed was the lower ball gear replaced as it is worn.

1. Can I change the ball gear without the fill removal of the shaft. I have read this is ok and otherwise. The gear on the intermediate is brand new already, came that way. Also has new boot to transom. So some work has been done.

2. Seloc calls for OMC Hivis lube for outdrive. So i take it that the SAE90 is a nogo. If its not I would like to know as it is more available where im at. Thanks!!

 

[southkogs]

Someone else can speak better the the ball gear. It's a little beyond the tools I had around, so I never tackled it when I had the Stringer. I think it's probably tougher to get the gear off the shaft while it's still in the housing, but probably not impossible.

Lube for the upper, lower and intermediate gear case can be SAE90 like any other stern drive.

 

[Redrig]

I have only done one set of ball gears , so keep that in mind while reading this.

I am sure its possible to get the ball gear off without removing the shaft , however I bet you would mangle the double seal while taking off the the old ball gear and putting on the new one. And tearing up that seals would just make you have to do the project again the right way (if you are doing ball gears , I would highly recommend new seals)

I would just pull it apart , its nothing too difficult and you dont need any of the special shimming tools assuming that is all you are doing.

EDIT - I just reread your post. With this being a new to you boat , you REALLY need to pull the drive , all new seal kits , grease splines of the shafts , new water pump. etc. Lots to do on a new to you boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Your most likely going to find more problems. Drive will most likely need to come apart.

Check the vertical drive shaft. Known failur point

 

[Scott Danforth]

And dont damage the $900 lower shift cable