New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

[wvff525]

I just got a boat that has the OMC sterndrive. The engine is a 4 cylinder and says 140 HP(OMC model # 990245S1) The outdrive says OMC Sterndrive 400 on the sticker (OMC model # 981871)

I'm getting ready to order the manual for it and wanted to make sure I order the right one. Is this it: http://www.iboats.com/OMC_Stern_Dri...5784660--**********.992457762--view_id.214931

I assume this book covers both the engine and the outdrive.

I was also wondering what kind of oil should the motor take? same as my car or is it a heavier weight?
And what about the lower unit fluid, can I use the same stuff I've been using in my outboard?
The boat also has a under floor gas tank and the guage reads that it has 1/4 tank left in it. The previous owner says the gas is from last summer and that he did not add fuel stabilizer to it over the winter. Should I drain the tank or just add fresh gas and forget about it?
Is there any other basic stuff I can do to it or check over before trying to start it and the manual comes? Thanks

 

[Boomyal]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Yep, that manual will do for starters. Factory manuals are always the best and you can find them sometimes on ebay.

The outdrive uses the same fluid in the upper, lower and intermediate housing. It is basically 75w-90 hypoid but marine versions have emulsifiers and rust inhibiters in case you get some water in the units. Many use synthetic 75w-90 but I wouldn't use standard automotive except in a pinch.

As for the gas, just top it off. I had a half tank that I never got around to stabilizing last winter. Just started up the boat after the winter slumber but added some sea foam and stabilizer first. It ran like a charm. I might add here that the gas in the tank was not alcohol gas. Even if yours is, top it off with 3/4 new tank and you'll be good to go.

It is kind of important to leave a tank full if the gas has ethanol in it. It will stand less chance of creating and absorbing the condensation. Be sure to add the stabilizer tho.

Also remember never to run the boat with the outdrive up. Only in shallow water emergencies should you run with about 15 % tilt and then only at low speeds.

 

[wvff525]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Thanks for the reply. I ordered the book and hopefully it will arrive in a few days. So the lower unit fluid I used to put in my outboard on my other boat won't work for this boat? So, I need to go out and get 75w-90 marine grade lube for my lower and upper units.

What about the engine? Does the engine take a heavier oil than standard automotive oil?

And I'll certainly remember to not run the engine with the tilt up. I assume the trim is the only thing you adjust while on the water? What about loading and unloading from the trailer is it ok to have the tilt up as long as the motor is not running? Or should the Tilt always be down in the water?

Sorry these are newbie questions, but I'm a complete newbie to the I/O's and the whole tilt/ trim thing. My old boat (with an outboard) had manual tilt/ trim.

One last question, should I see a tell-tale stream from the sterndrive? and where approx. should I be looking for it? Thanks again for your help.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

What about the engine? Does the engine take a heavier oil than standard automotive oil?

Yes, straight 30 weight.

Or,
25W40
20W50

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

One last question, should I see a tell-tale stream from the sterndrive? and where approx. should I be looking for it? Thanks again for your help.

no tell tale like an outboard, no

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

is it ok to have the tilt up as long as the motor is not running?

Yes

Check the intermediate, upper and lower unit oils often, your drive is a 1979 and therefore uses a hydromechanical shift lower, unless someone has updated it along the way.....these drives do not like water in the oil and are a bit prone to it.

Your drive system has 3 separate oil compartments

 

[wvff525]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Thank you for all the help. I doubt I put the boat in the water this weekend, but now I can at least start checking stuff and replacing fluids. I'll probably put the muffs on and try starting it once I check everything out. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Thanks for the reply. I ordered the book and hopefully it will arrive in a few days. So the lower unit fluid I used to put in my outboard on my other boat won't work for this boat? So, I need to go out and get 75w-90 marine grade lube for my lower and upper units. Yes

What about the engine? Does the engine take a heavier oil than standard automotive oil?

And I'll certainly remember to not run the engine with the tilt up. I assume the trim is the only thing you adjust while on the water? What about loading and unloading from the trailer is it ok to have the tilt up as long as the motor is not running? Or should the Tilt always be down in the water? The tilt can be up anytime as long as the motor is not running
Sorry these are newbie questions, but I'm a complete newbie to the I/O's and the whole tilt/ trim thing. My old boat (with an outboard) had manual tilt/ trim.

One last question, should I see a tell-tale stream from the sterndrive? and where approx. should I be looking for it? Thanks again for your help.

Also, the tilt gear box uses straight 30w

 

[Boomyal]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Thank you for all the help. I doubt I put the boat in the water this weekend, but now I can at least start checking stuff and replacing fluids. I'll probably put the muffs on and try starting it once I check everything out. Thanks again for the help.

You should try to find an OMC flush fitting. Muffs are a PITA. If you can grab this one at the starting price plus shipping, you'll have yourself a deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...Track=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:us

 

[Coors]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Wrong book; find an oem manual from OMC. They are on ebay, 40 weight straight for the engine.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

What about loading and unloading from the trailer is it ok to have the tilt up as long as the motor is not running?

That would work. Extra note on the Manual. To reinforce what was mentioned in an earlier post, I would STRONGLY suggest that you get the OEM OMC Manual specific to you Model Year even if you have already ordered the After Market Manual.

 

[wvff525]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

I will keep my eye out on ebay for an oem manual. I have already ordered the aftermarket one, but understand that it may not be specific to my exact model. The main thing I want it for is for reference and the previous owner stated that I should replace all the fuids.Plus replace the contacts or points and condenser.Again, please excuse my "newbieness", but I have no idea what or where those are. I would also like to replace the water pump or at least the impeller because the previous owner stated it had been about 2 years since it was replaced.

Also I'm now a bit confused about the engine oil. A few told me straight 30W and another told me straight 40W. Which one should I use?

Again, thank you all for your help.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Keep in check with SeaRayMan13 as well as other individuals selling Manuals. A lot of us got our OEM Manual from him. Below link is good up through 1985.

http://stores.ebay.com/SEARAYMAN13_...-1985_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ11QQftidZ2QQtZkm

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: New to me boat with OMC Sterndrive, have General Questions.

Also I'm now a bit confused about the engine oil. A few told me straight 30W and another told me straight 40W. Which one should I use?

Whichever you can find - OMC specified 30 for that engine.