OMC Stringer lifts when I pull up on it! HELP!

[cdragotta]

Ok..so I’m pretty dumb when it comes to stern drives. My 1979 Stringer lifts up when I pull up on it. I know it’s not supposed to that. I can’t see anything wrong with the clutch except it’s a little wobbly and it doesn’t feel like it’s lining up with worm drive. I’m not sure where to go from here. Can anyone provide some guidance? Also, I’ve searched to no end and I can’t seem to find a topic that hits on what I’m looking for. Thanks I’m advance, folks!

 

[kenny nunez]

How long has this been happening? Did you or someone do any thing to the tilt system?

 

[cdragotta]

We bought the boat like that. It was a $200 boat that my wife thought I’d be able fix. She “surprised” me with it. Yeah....I know. I’m in deep. Lol

 

[kenny nunez]

Does the tilt motor operate and try to lift the drive? Can you post some pictures?

 

[Scott Danforth]

We bought the boat like that. It was a $200 boat that my wife thought I’d be able fix. She “surprised” me with it. Yeah....I know. I’m in deep. Lol

does your wife not like you?

I would spend some time looking around the restoration forums. cheap and free boats are the most expensive (as they take the most $ and time to fix)

 

[cdragotta]

Does the tilt motor operate and try to lift the drive? Can you post some pictures?

The tilt motor is shot. I do know that. I’ll have to see if I can a free minute to take some pics. Thanks for replying, folks!

 

[froggy1150]

Even if the motor was bad you still shouldnt be able to pull drive up. My money is on a stripped worm drive gear

 

[froggy1150]

Pop side cover off and take a look.

 

[Scott Danforth]

someone may have pulled the worm gear to be able to pull the drive up to trailer it.

 

[cdragotta]

Pop side cover off and take a look.

I already have. I can’t see anything that looks wrong. But, then again, I don’t really know what I’m looking for. Lol

 

[kenny nunez]

If the worm is in place then the snap ring that holds the clutch pack together is either missing or has slipped from the groove.

 

[cdragotta]

If the worm is in place then the snap ring that holds the clutch pack together is either missing or has slipped from the groove.

The clutch pack sticks together. The whole thing wobbles inside the housing and I can slide it in and out about 1/4”. I need to get a pair of snap ring pliers to check anything else. Thanks for the info so far, guys!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

I'd just grab a used clutch pack off ebay

 

[kenny nunez]

2Xs with Howard. I just googled OMC tilt clutch and there are several for sale that will be the best thing to do . It takes a press and a special tool to re install the snap ring correctly.

 

[cdragotta]

2Xs with Howard. I just googled OMC tilt clutch and there are several for sale that will be the best thing to do . It takes a press and a special tool to re install the snap ring correctly.

So you think the snap right is jacked and I should just get a new clutch pack?

 

[cdragotta]

This piece (see inserted pic) was not around the clutch pack!!!! That’s my problem!!! Now...how do I replace that?

 

[cdragotta]

So...I figured out the problem, but I don’t have any diagrams or books to assist me...yet. Can you guys help me out with an exploded diagram or procedure for re-installing the worm gear?

 

[kenny nunez]

You need to get a genuine OMC manual to get the tilt system working. Does the tilt motor sound like it is running when you push the tilt switch? I can give you some tips but you need to get a manual to get familiar with the tilt system.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can get factory manuals here: https://www.outboardbooks.com/

you can see some stringer videos here: http://sterndrive.info/