OMC Stern Drive normal operation question about stream of water from pivot caps?

[bosshoff]

I am stuck with a 1970's OMC Stern-drive I/O. It is either a 225 or 245 H.P. model. The engine is a Chevy 307 V8. I just hate this thing. It is on my father's boat 300 miles away. I don't really have anyone to ask about the normal operation of the drive. On the side of the lower unit, there are "pivot" covers (part # 0313264). Under them is a paper gasket, a plate, and an O-ring. the covers themselves are home plate (baseball) shaped with four bolts holding them in place. Cooling water flows behind the plates, thus all the gasket and O-ring. My question is if water is supposed to spray out of the plates, similar to an outboard motor? Mine simply could be leaking, but I don't know if this is normal? Are they supposed to **** a steady directional stream like an outboard showing you the water pump is working well? Or, are they not supposed to leak at all? Thanks.

 

[southkogs]

There was sort of an intentional series of streams (as I understood them) intended in the design. But ultimately, when on a hose the Stringer drive is gonna' look like a water porcupine. You'll see water flowing in different directions outta' those caps. Are you overheating?

When the boat is in the water, that whole drive is pretty well submerged. So, you'll not gonna' see all of the flow.

 

[kenny nunez]

Those are “ squirt holes” similar to the outboards. They were re routed in 73 and squirt inward to the ball gears in an effort to “cool them”. You probably have between a 70-72 high profile model and if the engine is painted gray it would be a 225. The 245 came with through transom exhaust and the engine was trimmed in orange. It could possibly be light blue if it is a late 72.

 

[Redrig]

There should be a stream going inward towards the ball gear. but there should not be water spraying all over from the outer side of those plates.
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Remove the black rubber bumpers and hit them with a pump or two of grease while tilting up and down