OMC Sterndrive 800: water in upper gearcase

[nikytower]

Hi!<br />Sorry for my bad English I am writing from Italy.<br />My boat has an OMC 5,0 185HP of 1980. Sterndrive is the "800". Two years ago, during a control to the upper gearcase I find it full of water.<br />The mechanic asked 1000 Euro to repair the gearcase. During a control last year I find the gearcase full of water too. I bring the boat to another mechanic and I spent 800 Euro to repair the gearcase. This Year, during a control, the situation is the same: the upper gearcase is full of water. I am sure two mechanics that worked, really opened the gearcase. Now I have a huge doubt... is there something that mechanics don't know above my Sterndrive? I ask you a help! Thank you very much! Nicola from Milan

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: OMC Sterndrive 800: water in upper gearcase

Nicola,<br /><br />Good English - for Americans (British might not agree)<br /><br />These drives are notorious for water in the upper gearcase. The overall problem is that there are too many penetrations. Not only do the input and output shafts have seals, but the steering shaft has two holes (one seal, one O-ring), and the top cover has an O-ring.<br /><br />Your mechanics will have to replace ALL of these, as well as look for wear on the seal surfaces. If bearing preloads are not set properly, then seals will not last long.<br /><br />If the boat is worth spending money on, my advice would be to have the unit rebuilt, not just resealed. And change the oil often.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Sterndrive 800: water in upper gearcase

Don't just replace the seals on the steering shaft. replace the brass bushing as well. That assembly is most likely the place where you are getting the leak from.

 

[nikytower]

Re: OMC Sterndrive 800: water in upper gearcase

Dear Rainmaker and KaGee...<br />Thak you vey much for your ads...<br />From your word I have understand what is happened the last time I break off the bearing in upper gearcase and the round seal. the mechanics find the round seal broken and thought that the water got into the gearcase from here. Instead off both the round seal and the bearing broke off for the heat beacuse there was not lube in gearcase. Water entered in gearcase from another way that was not repaired. Now I am tired to spend uselessy my money and try to resolve the problem changing every seals and the brass bushing. I have worked very much on cars but it is the first time I work on a sterndrive. However I have buyed the Seloc Book ... I hope well! <br />Excuse me RainMaker... what is the difference to rebuilt and reseal? To change all the seal I have to take apart the gearcase and rebuilt it. Am I understanding right?<br />Thank you!!!!!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Sterndrive 800: water in upper gearcase

At this point, I would only worry about the steering shaft. Make sure to add a small coating of Permatex #2 or equal around the "O" ring seal when replacing the top of the upper/housing.