Dip stick in tight

[indybleck]

This is my first post, here is my problem I own a 1988 5.7 OMC that I recently had in the shop because I took out the "do not take out" plug on the lower unit. I took it in to a shop that works on OMC's and they got the brass nut out of the exhaust and changed the lube in the lower unit along with the impeller. I want to check the lube to make sure its where it should be but I can't get the dip stick to move. I called the shop and they told me that they are tight, and the mechanic made a tool to get them out with a socket. I'm sure he cut the shaft off a wide screw driver and fit it to a scoket, my problem is my biggest screwdriver won't fit under the swim platform and I tried to use a crescent wrench on the shaft of a screwdriver and I could see the shaft twisting. Should I just stop by the shop on the way to storage and have them loosen it up for me or is there another way. Thanks for any help. If they filled the lower wrong will the lube still show on the dipstick? This is the first OMC I've owned so I"ll have more questions I'm sure.

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Dip stick in tight

They make some larger screwdriver bits that fit into a socket. I know when I had my VP SX drive I had to use a handheld impact screwdriver and it had larger bits than the normal screwdriver bits. You would put it on the screw head, rotate it in the direction you wanted to go and then hit it with a hammer. It worked really well on the drain screw.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

Thanks I'll have to look around.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Dip stick in tight

There is a tool called a draglink socket. It kinda looks like a screwdriver that attaches to a ratchet.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Dip stick in tight

That dipstick seals with an O-ring, it doesn't have to be put in so darn tight. I made my own tool out of a very large stainless steel fender washer, just ground a flat in the circumrance, I screw it in only hand tight and then give it a small "torque bump" I'll call it, with a screwdriver placed through the washers hole.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

Thanks for the help. I found some tools at Grainger that should work or I could just do what 70eliminator did with the flat washer.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

I like the drag link socket but I think I'm going to stop by the shop on the way to storage and have the guy loosen it up and I can see what he uses, then I'll tighten it up. I'll probaly pick a set of the drag links eventually along with a hand held impact. I've never seen a hand held impact before and now I know I need one. Always used power impacts.

 

[Bridar]

Re: Dip stick in tight

Here's a little trick I've used to loosten those wide slotted dipstick plugs: Using 2 large flat screwdrivers, lay them sideways with the tips pointing towards each other over the top of the plug. Nest the tapered edge of each screwdriver tip in the slot of the plug from each side - like 2 spokes in the hub of a wagon wheel. Firmly grip the screwdrivers and rotate the plug loose. This won't work if the slot in the plug is perpendicular to the transom, as one screwdriver isn't enough to turn it using this method alone.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

Thanks for all the help tried the hand held impact not enough room to give it a good hit with a hammer. Got a 5/16" fat head back out and got it out. Once I broke the seal there was a rush of air like there was a vacuum and the lube looked pretty clear on the stick I'm going to re check tomorrow and maybe add some until it comes out the dip stick hole then drain a little out to get it to the right mark. The lube in it now has just been changed but not by me so I want to make sure there is enough in there, I just can't really see it on the stick. I would think it would have a green or blue tint to the lube. Let you how it works out.

 

[Bridar]

Re: Dip stick in tight

Not everyone fills the gearcase with oil the same way, so there's always a chance the oil level will drop once trapped air migrates up to the top. It's too bad you can't check the oil level with the boat in the water. All one can do is keep a close eye on the oil level the first 2 or 3 times you pull the boat out on the trailer. I learned this the hard way - after my upper gearset disintegrated.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

That's a tough way to learn a lesson. I'm going to check it and probably add to it till the lube comes out the dipstick hole, then let it settle and check it again. If theres too much I'll pump some out to get it to the right level. I had a good shop changed the lower lube when it was when for something else, but I want to make sure there is enough in there. They use to sell OMC's and they still service them but I still like to make sure for myself. Can I run it on the trailer with the muffs then check the lube after it warms up? It's going to storage next week but I want to get this done so I don't forget about it over the winter.

 

[indybleck]

Re: Dip stick in tight

I want to thank everyone that replied to this post, I checked it again this morning and its at the full mark so its ready for storage. This is a great site for rookie OMC owners and I will contribute when ever I can. I love to come here and check the forums to see what problems owners are having and the solutions that contributers have. Keep up the good work.

Thanks
Tom