Installing lower unit on 88 spl

[brussell]

Howdy Folks,
Some may remember my Labor Day blowout when I broke the driveshaft in my 80 Glasstream with 1988 Evinrude 88 spl. Well, I finally was back this morning trying to install the lower unit. I had the thing disassembled and fixed. New driveshaft, water pump seals and oil.

I was about to put on the foot and I noticed a slight gap between the water pump housing and foot so I attempted to tighten that corner bolt...Well , it stripped and now none it will not tighten down. Can I just put a longer bolt in it?Do I need to take the water pump off and drill and tap it?

The guy that fixed it said bring it back but he's almost 2 hours away...

It's always something and at least its winter...

 

[DJ]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

Something, up top, is not seated.

Tightening it further will not help anything. Find out what is binding.

 

[flabum]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

You can get a 1/4" - 20 pitch Helicoil kit from the local hardware store or auto parts store. Pull the pump and use the kit. It's the best way.


Then check to see why the pump housing didn't seat to begin with.

 

[brussell]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

Thanks for the response....it is defintely stripped however, now we have new woes...I was cycling the steering when something snapped. I think the steering wheel has broken from the rack...looking under the dash, the mechanism is turning but whatever attaches the rack(?) to the cable has broken...any insight?

It looks like I'll be buying some trailer bearings as the wheels are loose...

Do these motors have issues with the steering cables? The cable went out once before...but know something is definitely snapped...

 

[flabum]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

Was the steering stiff? The steering cable where it goes throught the tube on the engine can get bound up from the tube rusting inside creating more resistance on the steering system. I'd replace the helm and cable with a rotary kit if it will fit.

 

[brussell]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

yes it was stiff. Had gotten much more so in the last year....I think I'm gonna take to the mechanic. It's a haul but he's cheaper than anybody in town...they really get all your money at most marinas... Anybody have any idea how much a 1980 Glasstream runabout with and 88spl weighs? I have a Jeep Cherokee and I'll be going about 100 miles.....

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

Use the site Nada.com, it will give you weights. Good luck.

 

[brussell]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

thanks, the closest I found was an 83 and it was 1800 lbs...I should be good...

 

[cortes]

Re: Installing lower unit on 88 spl

yes it was stiff. Had gotten much more so in the last year....I think I'm gonna take to the mechanic. It's a haul but he's cheaper than anybody in town...they really get all your money at most marinas... Anybody have any idea how much a 1980 Glasstream runabout with and 88spl weighs? I have a Jeep Cherokee and I'll be going about 100 miles.....

Your 88spl weighs 290 lbs