OMC Outdrive Maint

[JustMrWill]

Ok...did the bone-headed novice thing and hit a rock . Most people that I have talked to has stated that my lower unit damage can't be repaired. Decided to get a rebuilt one off eBay ($500 + shipping). Going to pull outdrive off to replace lower unit. Read through manual and many posts here and looks like I might be able to do it. My questions:<br /><br />What "special tools" do I need for removeal/installation? (and where can I get them?)<br /><br />While I have the outdrive off, what other maint should I do? Impeller? Grease gimbal? Replace gaskets (which ones)?<br /><br />Any tips/suggestions that will make this a much easier job?<br /><br />Would it make more sense to winterize the engine then pull off outdrive and do repairs over winter or should I re-install and test out before winterizing?<br /><br />All opinions/suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.<br /><br />JustMrWill<br />1987 21' Regal Majestic CC<br />4.3l V6 OMC King Cobra

 

[CharlesW]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

No help with your questions, but.....<br />Did you check your insurance policy to see if you have coverage for outdrive damage?<br />Mine does.<br /><br />Charles

 

[tommays]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

the best thing you can do is buy the correct manual for your drive no one can type you through all the photos and small but inportant things the manual covers<br /><br />tommays

 

[travisp]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

dont really need special tools, 5/8 shallow socket, swivel attachment, and extension, & 5/8 wrench. you will need vertical drive gasket also. first remove trim cylinders from drive assy. tie up so they dont dangle on ground or get in way, remove 6 5/8 nuts 3 from each side of drive. get help pull straight off, remove old gasket and basically reverse procedure for re assembly, but grease u-joints and gimbal the drive shaft o rings should be replaced too comes as kit with drive gasket about $12.00 grease splines on drive shaft slide drive shaft into gimbal, some force is required here, it helps to have someone just bump ignition to line up splines (remove coil wire first) while putting your shoulder into drive to persuade it in. not as hard as it sounds, just did one for my first time last week, and I am no mechanic. by the way while it is apart check bellows for cracks or holes, torque bolts to 25 ft. lbs. in criss cross pattern then repeat at 50 ft. lbs. I am sure someone will correct me if anything needs to be added here, but I think that is it. check this site for diagrams that might help you http://www.sterndrive.info/ good luck

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

If you have to "Put your shoulder into it" and "bump" the engine over to line up the splines, then it's time to pull the drive get an alignment bar and cure the problem. Otherwise you will be pulling the drive (and engine) soon so you can replace the coupler. <br />An engine alignment is VERY important with OMC, Mercruiser and the Volvo SX/DP-S drives.<br /><br />As Tom mentioned, if you have never done something like this, a manual if almost mandatory as there are too many little things you could miss....... like the sealant for the gasket, no one mentioned that

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

I have the OEM Manual for it...but it mentions tons of specialized tools for alignment and pulling etc...just wondering if these are mandatory or if there was substitutes? Also...what I have found is that the manual tells you a way that works but people on here usually have lots of time saving suggestions that arent mentioned in the manuals.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

Browse Stuart's site below. He has some hints and talks about how he got around some of the specialized OMC tools. <br /><br /><br /> http://www.funkopolis.com:8080/~stuart/cobra/

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OMC Outdrive Maint

hello<br /> for the job your doing no special tools are required. measure the original shift block height when you seperate the lower from the upper and set the new one to the same height or your shift linkage will need readjusting. some cobra drives have a very tight fit when the u-joint cross goes into the gimbal. lube it with dishwashing liquid. its a good idea to check engine alignment when the drive is off. that will require a special tool. its a great idea to change the drive bellows. that will require a special tool(large tru-arc pliers) to remove the exhaust bellows. the drive bellows can be changed on that one by removing the exhaust bellows and R+R the drive bellows from underneath. you will also need the orings for the water tranfer passage or the originals may leak gear oil.<br /> good luck and keep posting