OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

[flockshot]

I want to replace my 1983 OMC 3.0 400 Stringer with a modern 4.3 system. The boat is a 1983 Starcraft 22ft Islander.
I want to find out what information is available on how to accomplish this project. Is anyone aware of any articles, books, videos, that would be helpful?

 

[pete s]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

Check out this thread should be helpful

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=369247&page=25

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

Ayuh,... It's been covered here,+ in the Restoration forum,.... Repeatedly..

The only Issue you'll come up against is refilling the Hole in the aluminum hull....
The Wood part is easy...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

Check out this thread should be helpful

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=369247&page=25

Yah, check out that thread but know two things going into it...

#1 That fella isn't even half way through that transplant.

#2 The guy who is rebuilding that old boat has an intelligence level that is less than or equal to a bottom feeding carp.

Have Fun!!

 

[flockshot]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

Great response. I really appreciate that level of candor.

The first thing that I will do is go look at some Islanders that are for sale and take my tape measure and camera along.

I have wanted a Starcraft Islander for Great Lakes fishing for many years. I got a good (I really did believe good) deal on this one that was "ready to go". When I went out the first time I discovered a transom leak that I have yet to identify the source of. Now this spring the lower unit raw water pump isn't working and the upper gear case is leaking oil. The titlt clutch had 15% water.

On the plus side the 3.0 runs great, and the unit shifts smooth as silk and cruises nicely.

Tomorrow me and Seloc are going to learn how to take the outdrive off and replace the water pump, ball gears, ball gear seals, and upper gearcase gasket kit. If I can find any damage to the boot I will do that too. Unfortunately I don't have 50 OMC special tools so I will just do my best.

Thanks to all who posted.

John

 

[wire2]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

I dropped an '84 stringer 800 in favor of a late model Merc Alpha a couple years ago, here's the thread;
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=225270

 

[flockshot]

Re: OMC Stringer 400 Replacement with 4.3 Mercruiser

wire2,
Great thread and very well explained. You clearly have a talent for developing a process and documenting it.
Thank you for the help.