How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

[nieuwBoater]

Hi All!

First, thanks to everyone who has been helping me learn about my boat! It's much appreciated! I'm about to try my first major undertaking... I'm going to try to replace the transom seal myself. I have a seal lined up and know where to get the 3m 4200 sealant. Now... I looked at the outdrive last night...it looks like I'll need to remove the "whale tails" (what are they really called?) and the steering linkage, then unscrew all the screws. I also read and saw the big hose clamp thing that holds the fore end of the seal to the outdrive.

Okay...here are my questions:

1) Is there anywhere online with step-by-step instructions?
2) I read somewhere that the seal will come off OVER the outdrive... si this true? Or do I need to tear down the outdrive? Hope not!
3) Is there a good way to get the old sealant off, or do I just use a putty knife...thought maybe acetone would help? Or not?
4) Assuming I get it off and the new one back on, I know I put sealant between the seal and the transom...but do I also run a little sealant around the fore end of the seal (where it clamps to the outdrive?
5) Any other tips?


As I mentioned in another post, I'm the daughter of a mechanic, so am pretty handy and can find my way around a tool box. In fact, I'm doing a full tune-up on the critter tomorrow!

Thanks so much!

Tiffany

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

You can get the boot off without removing the drive (I did mine with the drive on) although mind didn't have a foil or 'whale-tail'. That at least will have to come off.

Unscrew the boot from the transom and pull it out a bit to access the large 'hose clamp' on the intermediate housing. Loosen the clamp and slide it off the boot. Use a little dish soap on the inner opening to help it slip over the drive. Use a putty knife/scraper to remove most of the old sealant and then a little acetone to get the transom totally clean.

Put a little soap on the opening of the new seal and CAREFULLY slide it over the drive. Make sure the new boot is the right way up. Mine had the word 'TOP' molded into the rubber. Re-attach the large clamp (no sealant needed) to the int. housing. Run a bead of sealant around the edge of the new boot and squirt some in each screw hole then install all the screws. Make sure they're snug but you don't have to crank them hard. Let the sealant cure and go boating!

 

[cr2k]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

I just replied to a post on page one, near the top, with a full step by step on this.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

Hey CR2K and NW Redneck! You guys R-O-C-K!!! Thank you both... I'm tackling the project on Saturday...then trying to launch on Sunday...looking to stay close to the boat ramp for a bit in case she leaks!!!

Can't thank you both enough... : )

Best,

Tiffany

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

If you use the 3M 4200 fast cure i think it still needs at least 24 hours to setup...
Anything below the water line i always give it at least 48 hours to be safe.
do NOT use regular silicone sealant..

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

Aww shucks lil' lady, 'tweren't nuttin.

Remember, we love pics (of boats!) 'round here!
Good luck and happy boating!

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: How-to HELP (?) 73 OMC 165 hp transom seal

Thanks to everyone who helped me on this issue!

Yesterday, in about 100 degree heat I tackled the monster. I pulled the "whale tail" off with little problem, then unbolted the steering linkage from the sterndrive. I then pulled all 16 screws out and pulled the bellows to me to get to the hose clamp. No problem so far... then the FUN began... HOLY CATS...trying to get the old seal stretched over the outdrive was an ordeal! I did get it off, but was a little scared to put the new one back on...thought I might tear it... but I put some duct tape over the sharp parts of the drive and went after it. I finally got it mostly in place, but some part of the sterndrive is REALLY close to the transom on one side, so I had to work the seal in there little by little...then the messy part came... today I am still wearing a ton of 3M 4200 marine adhesive...haha... went through a pint of acetone to clean up...

So... put the retaining ring/plate back into the seal and put all 16 screws back in... I doubt I hit the holes in the rubber on all of them...I think I made a few new ones...but hopefully the adhesive will seal them up?

So...letting it cure today, then will put the hose clamp back on tomorrow (I hope), and bolt the whale tail and linkage back on...then hopefully back in the water. I'll be filling the bilge up before I take it and looking for massive leaks.

Hope the darned thing works!

Tiffany