OMC Special tools - are they necessary?

[dkgiles7]

Hi,<br /><br />I am stripping and rebuilding my 1975 40Hp electric start Johnson. I have the Service Manual for the motor and it refers to several OMC special tools. I am wondering if they are all necessary or if anyone has had any experience with using something other than the OMC tools to manage a couple of things.<br /><br />The ones I am particularly interested in are:<br /><br />Part #317002 To remove/reinstall high speed orifice plug from float bowl<br /><br />Part #303859 To remove/reinstall crankcase lower main bearing seal large retaining ring<br /><br />Part #316613 To replace top crankcase bearing seal<br /><br />Part #319925 To replace lower crankcase seals<br /><br />Part #308866 Ring compressor<br /><br />Part #304639 To install new crankshaft oil seal in upper seal and bearing<br /><br />I take it that all of the seals that are specified as 'must be replaced' are not included in the powerhead gasket set and do need to be ordered seperately ?<br /><br />Thanks for all the help. This forum has proven to be very informative.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: OMC Special tools - are they necessary?

Darren.... Once the engine is torn down, all of the items you mention can be removed and installed via other means such as:<br /><br />Pry or knock the seals out, then press them in as needed. You'll figure out how I'm sure.<br /><br />The rings can be installed using your fingers/fingernails, or a conventional auto type ring compressor. If you use the auto ring compressor, make sure that the ring gaps are exactly where they belong.<br /><br />The orifce removing tool can be made from a proper diameter size screwdriver. Cut the end of the screwdriver off flat, then file it so that a protruding slot exists that fits the orifice slot exactly.

 

[OBJ]

Re: OMC Special tools - are they necessary?

Hi Darren....<br /><br />Special tools are always handy and at times are a must to have as no other tool will work for the specific application the special tool was designed for. Seals can be installed with a socket of the correct size. Jets can be removed with a modified screw driver. A little ingenuity when rebuilding an engine is always the norm even for seasoned mechs that have the "tools". A power head gasket set should contain all the gaskets and seals needed just for the power head. Lower unit seal sets are available (see iboats store). The large retaining ring you mentioned is a big snap ring. Just remember to use care when installing seals making sure they are installed correctly.

 

[dkgiles7]

Re: OMC Special tools - are they necessary?

Cheers guys and thanks very much for the quick replies. Hopefully the gasket sets won't be too difficult to find a distributer for in Australia.