OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

[MT boater]

First off, thanks to those that helped me on my last post. <br /><br />This is the first boat the I have owned myself and now it is time to learn how to work on it. I am very mechanically inclined with vehicles so I can't image boat would be totally out of my comfort zone.<br /><br />Has anyone changed the ball gears on an OMC Stringer outdrive? I need to do this as at the end of last summer my reverse quit and to find out the gears are severely worn on one side. Is this going to be a major pain or is it pretty straight forward? Any little helpful hints to make life easier would be great.<br /><br />I realize I need to get a manual for my boat which has the 4cyl 2.5L G.M. engine with an OMC Stringer outdrive. My question is, which manual would you recommend for the best coverage of technical information and how to's?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[MT boater]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Wow, I should have searched first. I guess I was fixated on the problem and not the solution yet. I did find some good info but any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

MT:<br />On Ebay I saw a new set of factory manuals for 400 and 800 stringers.I have a set and there worth the money. I believe there 69 bucks + shipping. If you can't find a set let me know and I,ll copy a set from my master book. Us white anchors have to stick together.<br />Good luck<br />Beef

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Ball gears should not affect just reverse.Also are not considered bad until 50% gone.<br /><br />DHP

 

[MT boater]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Reverse just sounds like knobby metal slipping on each other but forward works just fine. I will have to try to get a pic of the ball gears, they are probably 75% gone. I am suprised they still work. What would cause reverse to suddenly quit but forward still work?<br /><br />I am biddin on a set of manuals off e-bay right now but in the meantime I am curious what outdrive I do have. The model number is 982740 and the serial number is J288928<br /><br />Thanks

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

I changed mine out 2 years ago.<br /><br />Take your time, it's doable Good time to reseal the intermediate and upper housings.<br /><br />I now own both the OMC and SELOC. books. The OMC is definetly better. I bought the SELOC till I could find a factory manual on Ebay.<br /><br />PS... Don't run your motor with the outrive raised, make sure you are shifting around 650 to 700 RPM and your ball gears will last longer.

 

[MT boater]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Good advice. The ones on e-bay I am bidding on are SELOC I will have to get an OMC one also or instead of.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

I got my OMC manuals for the 1975 225 OMC from the Ken Cook Company. Owners, parts, and service manuals. My ball gears wore through in the fall of '98 at WOT. Scared the heck out of me when the engine over-reved. Thankfully, no harm to the engine. During the winter of '98-'99, I replaced all seals in the outdrive, replaced the ball gears, including the seal in the back of the motor, and a shaft in the intermediate that looked bad. I followed the instructions in the service manual to a "T" and learned a few things. Had to improvise a couple of tools I didn't have, but it worked ok. I think I bought the parts from Fast Eddie's (cheaper than Seaway Marine). I'm now thinking that I should look at replacing the ball gears again, since they are getting worn. I need to take a closer look to see if they are 50% or better gone. I never run the motor unless it is vertical, yet I'm still getting significant wear ('99 to '05 = 6 years)with not a whole lot of hours.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Ron, you have to reduce that avatar buddy!<br /><br />100x100 pixels is preferred size.

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Sorry about that huge avatar. I had to delete it until I can figure out how to reduce it on this forum.

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

OK, I think I got it figured out. Hopefully this is acceptable.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Bad ball gears cannot cause a loss of reverse. I would be thinking shift cable, hydraulics of the lower if 1979/1980 model, shift converter and cable adjustment, clutch dog in the lower.

 

[MT boater]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Well I guess this is my opportunity to do the swap I was wanting to do. <br /><br />I want to swap my 2.5 for a 4.3. I was looking at purchasing a different stringer (intermediate?) housing from a v-8. Will this work for the v-6? I know there is work and expensed involved in doing this swap and it would be easier to sell the boat and get one with what I want but the wife really likes this one, so let the work commence. I know I will need different gear ratios for my outdrive. Is this a swappable part or do I need a completely different outdrive? I think I have the 400 now, can I make this work with a v-6 or would I need an 800 outdrive?<br /><br />Thank you for any and all information.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

You have to swap everything. <br /><br />The 400 drive is not compatible with a V-6. Everything in a 800 is heavy duty. The 400 has different gear ratios, both upper and lower. 800's have different upper gear ratios for V6 or V8. 800 lower units are all the same gear ratio.<br /><br />If you are intent on making the changeover, the best way out is to buy another boat (82-85 only, anything older and you'll get a hydro shift or electric shift) with a bad hull and swap complete units. Sell your old stuff on EBay, and take the junk hull to the dump when finished.<br /><br />You can piece things together, but it's more of a challenge.

 

[MT boater]

Re: OMC Ball Gear Change out and Manual Suggestions

Good advice, I will see what I can come up with.<br /><br />Thanks