Is this OMC outdrive any good?

[FiveFeezy]

Hi everyone. I just got my first boat and its a real fixer upper. The motor seems in good shape but I'm worried about the outdrive. The boat has a 1968 OMC/GM inline 4 cylinder,153 cubic inches. The outdrive has a hole corroded all the way through the exhaust housing. It looks like there also may have been a hole in the lower section of the upper unit that was patched with JB Weld or something. Will this affect the unit at all? I am trying to get a picture of it on here but I'm better on motors than I am on computers. <br /><br />Also I cannot get the ball gear to spin at all. Could the water pump be frozen or something, or are they just really hard to turn by hand? <br />I'm trying to decide if I'm going to keep this boat or not. New outdrives cost a bundle. Thanks all.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

1968? You ain't never gonna find parts for it.<br />OMC went out of buisness 10 years ago, and in boating 68 is an antique for outdrives. Outdrives were only first invented by Volvo in 65.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

Actually, I have a huge plastic tub full of 64-67 OMC drive parts...not sure if your 68 the same. If you can send pics i might have what you need. (hystat@hotmail.com)<br />complete drives occasionally appear on eBay for your vintage. <br />But, unless the hull is mint, or has some feature you are absolutely in love with, it's probably best to drive it to the landfill... unless you are really looking for something to occupy your time and take your money. Have a good look at the steering system. That "external rod" type steering cable is tough to find if you ever need one.<br /><br />Everything used and 40 years old is "as is" and you need some patience and luck.<br />I live in central Ontario where it's all fresh water and OMC's factory used to employ thousands of people in my hometown here through the 60's and 70's so OMC's always had a loyal following here.<br /><---- My boat is a '69 and had the same 4 cylinder 153 engine with the twin carbs originally, I repowered it with a newer 80's vintage V6 stringer powertrain. A fairly straightforward swap, but of course about double the work I anticipated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to keep this boat or not.

If you're looking for a boat to Work On,.... Keep It.....<br /><br />If you're looking for a boat to Go Boating In,...... Dump It.........

 

[FiveFeezy]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

Well, the hull is very unique looking and I'm kind of fond of it, though it is not mint. I also have the dual carbs and kind of like that. <br /><br />I don't mind working on it too keep it running as long as its not going to cost me too much money. If the ball gear is not turning does the whole thing need to be rebuilt? Will the holes in the case render it unusable? A few hundred bucks is all I really want to spend to get this thing on the water.<br /><br />Hystat, I'll email you the pictures. I don't know how to get them on this site. <br /><br />Thanks, all.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

Originally posted by FiveFeezy:<br />I don't mind working on it too keep it running as long as its not going to cost me too much money.

It is going to co$t you money whether the ball gear is turning or not.<br /><br />If you have the passion to restore an antique boat, it will be a fun project. If you like boating as-much-as/more-then you like working on boats, find another one.<br /><br />Sorry.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

I sent pics, wow yours is rough....<br />-if the ball gear is seized, the drive is probably best recycled for it's aluminum content.<br />I agree with others that you are probably best to fall out of love with this boat...<br />Breaking up is hard to do we all know...<br /><br />for reference - I had a 75 Slickcraft with a 140 Mercruiser in running condition last year - I was asking $200 locally and couldn't get it... You'd be much better looking for something like that- drive somewhere away from the ocean to shop...

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

Sounds like an old OMC condom drive to me.(does it have a big rubber around it connecting it to the transom?)These were real dogs!Gear drivin tilt,tilt the engine to trim,electric shift,probably fine for a 120hp 4 cyl!Good luck with parts!

 

[FiveFeezy]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

Well thanks a lot for putting me on the right track everyone. I guess I'm sticking with my little aluminum boat for a little while longer. There has to be a better hunk of junk right around the corner for me.

 

[tommays]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

there are boats out there right now on LI there such a glut of trade ins dealers are haveing handyman sales to try and get the older stuff off there lots at any price<br /><br /><br />Just remenber ONE thing there are USED boats and USED-UP boats <br /><br />tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this OMC outdrive any good?

If you Stumble accross Any boat that says OMC,.... Or Bayliner on it,.... Anywhere.......<br /><br />Keep Looking..........<br /><br />They Usually fall into tommays 2nd catagory of 2nd hand Boats............