OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

[tfasbind]

I have a '85 OMC 5.7L with a stringer 800 stern drive and would appreciate advise on the following:

1. To change gear oil should I run stern drive first in forward and reverse to warm up oil or would this hamper checking condition of old oil for water etc?

2. I greased the tilt pivots and quadrant with Mobile synthetic lubricating grease (recommended for auto and industrial use). Is this OK or is there a special marine type grease that I should use?

3. When raising and lowering the stern drive, it lowers considerably faster than it raises and slams pretty hard when it reaches the bottom. Is this normal or is there something that can be done to slow it down when lowering?

4. Any lubricants to use to extend life of transom seal?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

1. To change gear oil should I run stern drive first in forward and reverse to warm up oil or would this hamper checking condition of old oil for water etc?

if it's a cold day you might want to - neutral is fine - no need to put in gear - if you want to check for water first remove bottom plug for a second - water runs out first

2. I greased the tilt pivots and quadrant with Mobile synthetic lubricating grease (recommended for auto and industrial use). Is this OK or is there a special marine type grease that I should use?

probably fine that grease, but Castrol Pyroplex Blue is the best for under water in my experience - don't grease the quadrant -it's brass and grease is poisonous to aquatic life

3. When raising and lowering the stern drive, it lowers considerably faster than it raises and slams pretty hard when it reaches the bottom. Is this normal or is there something that can be done to slow it down when lowering?

just bump the switch a few times- don't hold it down - it's normal ...well, actually "normal" is when the tilt doesn't work at all so you're in good shape there.....

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

If you keep letting it bang down, you are liable to spit the tilt shaft right out of it's housing. That would not be very good when you are sitting at the dock, waiting to head out.

 

[wire2]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

As you've alluded, check for water first. It's not like motor oil, there's very little contaminates that need to be stirred up to make them drain. If there's more than 2-3 drops of water, drain it & do a pressure check.

Mobil synthetic grease is very water repellant, will do fine.

When lowering the outdrive, especially out of water, release the switch just before you think it's down, then lower the last little bit. That takes the inertia away.


My transom seal was new in '84, was still perfect when I took it off this year. Sunlight will shorten the life so keep it covered if not in the water.


Oops, I see you had it covered, kjdkjd. I dropped down too fast, missed yours. Sorry.

 

[tfasbind]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

I have no control on the down position of the up down switch. As soon as I hit it once the drive goes all the way down.

I do have control in th up position. The drive will stop when I let go of the switch.

Do you think I have a switching problem?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

I have no control on the down position of the up down switch. As soon as I hit it once the drive goes all the way down.

your "down" relay might be sticking. On mine I can lower it in about 10 steps if I bump and release the switch quickly enough.

 

[wire2]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

I have no control on the down position of the up down switch. As soon as I hit it once the drive goes all the way down.

I do have control in th up position. The drive will stop when I let go of the switch.

Do you think I have a switching problem?

Gravity makes a BIG difference. More so out of water. Mine goes full up to full down ~1 second with a loud clunk if I let it. Takes 2-3 seconds to go up.

One other thought; if your clutches are worn, it will coast down to the stop even if you let go of the switch. Have someone watch the outdrive while you hit "down" and release, he may see it continue all the way down without power. Is the motor oil in the clutch/gear box clean, no water?

An easy test is; put the drive up, stand on the prop hub. It shouldn't move.

 

[craigfisher]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

I have had a few problems this summer so far, in any case bought a new upper gear case, the mechanic installed the new worm gear and steering gear on the top of the drive . Now its installed in boat and turns in the wrong direction what do you think is wrong? It was sterring fine before with the old drive.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC stringer 800 sterndrive questions

I have had a few problems this summer so far, in any case bought a new upper gear case, the mechanic installed the new worm gear and steering gear on the top of the drive . Now its installed in boat and turns in the wrong direction what do you think is wrong? It was sterring fine before with the old drive.

I think you need to start a new post for this. This is a two year old post!