OMC bolt issue

[bigshortz]

Hello guys, this is my first post and I apologize that it is with a problem. Here it goes.... I have a 1990 four winns freedom engine number 432aprpws (4.3 omc) with a vertical drive number of 986032 and a transom mount number 986028. I noticed some water leaking in around the mount, it seemed to me that the mount was moving too much. As I guess the lower transom mount nuts are loose. I was able to get the one side tightened, but it appears that the side with the starter is going to be impossible without removing the engine. Any tricks or shortcuts ? And I am wondering if I can make it till winter (which is in a few months) with just 3 tight? Sorry for the book and thanks for the help

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC bolt issue

If those bottom nuts are loose, that means the transom is rotten. Just tightening the nuts will be a 1 or 2 trip fix AT BEST.
Time to fix the transom.
There are no shortcuts, the engine MUST come out.

 

[bigshortz]

Re: OMC bolt issue

I was thinking that myself, but I found a receipt from 3 months ago where the guy who owned it before be had the transom resealed. I am planning on doing the floor and transom this winter... looks like i may have to do it sooner

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC bolt issue

I found a receipt from 3 months ago where the guy who owned it before be had the transom resealed.

You can "Reseal a transom", which is nothing more than replacing the bellows and some rubber hoses. I have no clue why everyone calls it a "Transom Reseal".
Just replacing some rubber parts in the gimbal housing isn't going to make the transom any less rotten, (IF a rotten transom is your problem) the transom reseal kit does nothing to replace the seal between the transom shield (aka gimbal housing) and the boats transom, or fixing a transom suffering from rot from wherever it's leaking at.

 

[danond]

Re: OMC bolt issue

Don's right! I just pulled my engine and drive to find exactly what he'd predicted. Rotten wood. Not a lot, luckily, but I'll be doing a Seacast job before I'm back on the water.

Better than sinking!

 

[bigshortz]

Re: OMC bolt issue

Ya I know... you know how it is.. denial on anything major on your own boat..... I'm going to take it to my shop next weekend and pull the engine and drive and see how bad the damage is.... I suspect thats why the guy sold the boat... btw, omc and no drive problems YET......