omc stringer ?s

[stangdriver]

I have an 83 Ranger bass boat with an OMC Stringer 800 outdrive(5.7 Liter 260 hp). I need to know if a Stringer 400 upper and lower gear case will work and will it last? It looks identicle to the Stringer 800. <br /><br />Also does anyone know where I can check the ratios of a few upper gear cases that I have. <br />The model numbers are:981871, 982743, 980702.<br /><br />Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am new to the boting world and almost wish I hadn't entered.<br /><br />Thanx

 

[capercanuck]

Re: omc stringer ?s

I just wrecked my OMC Stringer and I also have the 5.7, 350 motor. I have found out that the 800 series is only for the 6 and 8 cylinder motors and I believe the 400 is for 4 cylinders. I have also learned that it is probably cheaper to replace the whole drive system with mercruiser rather than buy the rebuilt OMC sterndrive and reinstall. I'd hate to see how difficult it will be to get parts for my stringer in a couple of years.

 

[Boatist]

Re: omc stringer ?s

I do not know your exact model but the 800 is for V8 and the 400 is for 4 cylinderes. The 800 has a higher gear ratio and stronger shafts. I do not think it will be cheaper to replace with a Merc or Vovo as you have to rebuild the Transom to seal the large hole you have then cut a new hole for the merc then buy the merc outdrive and all the u joints to hook it up. I would take what you have and have it repaired. Wht is the problem anyway. Still easy to get all the parts.

 

[radvulture]

Re: omc stringer ?s

the 981871 is a 16 20 gear ratio for a 1977 120hp i have one and i need another mine went out. i am told the gear ratio will greatly affect the performance of your boat.please contact me if intrested in selling this one thank you radvulture@aol.com

 

[capercanuck]

Re: omc stringer ?s

I just took mine in today to have it refitted with a mercruiser sterndrive. Yes, the transom does have to be filled in and then recut, but when the comparison is made between purchasing a new (rebuilt) 800 series sterndrive or replacing with a rebuilt mercruiser, the price is nearly the same. I have researched this very carefully over the past couple of weeks. I should qualify this by saying I am located in Canada. A new upper unit alone is $3500.00 (CAN). When I compared this with the price of a rebuilt (complete) Mercruiser Alpha I Gen II, the price of the Merc drive is $3600.00 (CAN). The best price I could get on a rebuilt OMC 800 series was out of Florida and that was $5500 (CAN) before taxes, shipping and duty. Any parts dealer or official OMC dealer that I have spoken to said GOOD quality OMC 800 series parts are difficult to get unless you want to pay a premium. My biggest concern was paying to replace the equipment and having it break down again in a few years and then get stuck with even higher part prices and availability problems. My only advice is to do plenty of research and talk to alot of OMC dealers before sinking money into 800 series parts. Good luck and let us know what happened!

 

[lifestyletoys]

Re: omc stringer ?s

Does the 800 series apply to all V8's regardless of horsepower?

 

[Boatist]

Re: omc stringer ?s

I just had my Serries 400 upper gear box rebuilt, water pump replaced and lower unit oil replaced and pressure tested. Total price $1003 US. The main problem my 1980 140 hp had was the short shaft that drives water pump and lower drive shaft had the splines stripped off. according to tech who fixed it very common. First problem I have had on my 1980. Check on replaceing unit with a merc or vovo and rebuilding the transom on my 21 ft aluminum hull and best price I got was over $7000.