OMC stringer drive I/O upper unit -- whines + constant milky oil HELP!! :o)

kd7isf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2004
Messages
162
Hi,<br /><br />I have a 1974 Thompson with a 120hp OMC stringer drive I/O in it. The engine runs like a top (MUCH less to be said for the dorky carburetor, though), the electric shift works everytime (now that I fixed that infamous and ALMOST ALWAYS misdiagnosed problem -- which can be fixed for less then $1 in about 2 min.) for those wondering, the shift problem is a weather aged connecter under the dash (square, black). I zip tied mine tightly together and the problem is gone.<br /><br /><br />ANYWAY, the problem i have now is, the upper unit whines when it is run on a hose in the drive way -- I dont recall hearing the whine on the water though.<br /><br />Also, the oil in the upper unit is ALWAYS milky. It doesn't seem to matter how often I change it. This tells me I have a water leak somewhere. My question is, HOW DO I FIND IT SO I CAN FIX IT -- BEFORE I wreck my upper drive?<br /><br />thanks for any help ya'll can provide. :eek:)
 

fendersfender

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Messages
317
Re: OMC stringer drive I/O upper unit -- whines + constant milky oil HELP!! :eek:)

those omc uppers are a constant battle...they always leak.....any way, i had same problem with mine, had both of them resealed and they both still had milky oil...turns out that my steering bushings were bad...replaced those and i have had no problem all last year
 

kd7isf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2004
Messages
162
Re: OMC stringer drive I/O upper unit -- whines + constant milky oil HELP!! :eek:)

Thanks,<br /><br />I'll check my steering worm gear out -- I'm going to be pulling the drive in a couple weeks anyway to get some hull work done. I think I'll do it while I have the drive pulled -- not that these are hard to get to anyway :eek: ) No u's, no bellows, just two wires and two pivots. Such simplicity. Too bad todays manufacurers cant get it right. :eek: )<br /><br />Again,<br /><br />thanks :eek: )
 
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