Changing OMC Intermediate Ball Gear

[dcohoon]

I have an old OMC 235hp sterndrive on a chevy 350 V8. I've had a professional rebuild the upper and lower unit, but he didn't get around to servicing the intermediate.

I have a complete seal kit for the intermediate and a new ball gear. My repair guide says that I need to remove the intermediate from the engine before replacing the ball gear, Is this really necessary?

Also, are there any tricks or things to 'watch out for' when changing the ball gear? I have to remove the bolts to the retainer correct? From the looks of things, the ball gear is just pressed on.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Changing OMC Intermediate Ball Gear

4 bolts removed from the retainer and a jerk with a slide hammer and the shaft should come out.

The inner seals on the intermediate can be changed on the boat.

Those are shims, not gaskets on the retainer. Try not to damage them.

Use retaining compound when re-installing the ball gear, and fill the void with ultra-black silicone after torquing the retaining nut before setting the cap.