OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

[Lyndy]

I have been trying to figure this out for awhile and was waiting to verify what it was for. No hurry, the plug was melted any way. Everything on this Outdrive is either metal or rubber. I know that I can get another one, but can anyone explain the idea behind using a Red Plastic to cover up a Zirk fitting to the Lower Unit Bell Housing.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

Hmmm? Good question Lyndy. I don't think the next generation has that plug. I'd be curious what the xerk behind it lubricates.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

The zerk lets you put grease into the swivel housing (on top of the gearcase).Plastic is all that is needed.If it is melting,the exhaust temp is WAY TOO HOT !

DHP (sorry,didn't mean to yell)

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

If it is melting,the exhaust temp is WAY TOO HOT !

Hi DHPMARINE,

More Past Tense on the melting. That plug looks like it has been there awhile. I guess the Previous owner took care of greasing the Swivel Housing when he had to replace the Lower Unit prior to me buying it. Refurbing this unit is such great fun!

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

Hmmm? Good question Lyndy. I don't think the next generation has that plug. I'd be curious what the xerk behind it lubricates.

1977 was the last year the plug appeared. Sorry about using Bell Housing in the last message. I know it is called the Swivel Housing, really! :}

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

If you run into a overheating problem give that zirk about 12 shots of triple guard grease. The seals are leaking and getting exhaust gases sucked up in the sea water pump.A OMC mechanic told me this when I had a problem.(drove Me Nuts)
High temp above idle at idle cooled right down. I changed the
sea water pump first no help. Filled the swivel housing up with grease no problems even at WOT.He said the seals were to keep grease in not exhaust out. I'll change them at the end of the season.
Beef d

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

If you run into a overheating problem give that zirk about 12 shots of triple guard grease. The seals are leaking and getting exhaust gases sucked up in the sea water pump.A OMC mechanic told me this when I had a problem.(drove Me Nuts)
High temp above idle at idle cooled right down. I changed the
sea water pump first no help. Filled the swivel housing up with grease no problems even at WOT.He said the seals were to keep grease in not exhaust out. I'll change them at the end of the season.
Beef d

Thanks Beef. Do me a favor and detail out what Exact Seals you are referring to? Before I put the upper and lower back together I will be changing out the Impeller using a kit that includes the impeller housing. I will remember to pack that Swivel housing. I will be also replacing the Exhaust Housing Seal, (see picture below). I will watch that Plastic Plug closely this up coming season when I start making short runs in the Harbor. I am also installing some Bennett Trim Tabs this winter in preparing for my first WOT test. Lots to do. The Adventure continues!

 

[aerwin]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

just buy the seal kit and they are included. it is still very reasonable and easy to get

 

[aerwin]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

sorry, that big rubber ring isn't included in the kit.

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

sorry, that big rubber ring isn't included in the kit.

Yeah, I know. My hopes were dashed awhile back about finding that big rubber ring in a kit.

Side note Aerwin, I have been looking at Marine Parts Source recently. It is the first parts store that I have found that has had 99.9% of every OMC part I have been looking for at good prices on most of them. Appears to be a nice one stop shop for me.

https://www.marinepartssource.com/index.asp​

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

just buy the seal kit and they are included. it is still very reasonable and easy to get

Hi Aerwin

The Seals you are talking about. Are they seals in the Swivel Housing? I ask because my Service Manual and other sources indicate taking that thing apart is not an easy thing, whatever Easy really means. Have you had any dealings with Swivel Housing before now?

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

Yes I believe these 2 seals are in the swivel housing . They are the seals that go around the stub of the bottom of the water pump.It's the machined piece that goes into the lower unit.
Thats where the pump sucks up the water. If there bad you could suck up exhaust gases.I just packed mine with grease.
Beef

 

[aerwin]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

yeah the swivel housing has a seal in it and then you put permatex sealent, on the outer ring of the housing. the manual is very clear on that part of the asembly, mine leaked water until I replaced it and put the sealent on it. it was easy but I read the manual on the assembly about ten times and even more when actually puttin together. if you don't have to do any shimming of the drive peices, the manual will tell you witch ones, it is a very easy outdrive to work on. OMC did make general maint pretty easy, the water pump, water pump shaft and shift cables are really easy, prop seals also. just remember to put the seals in the right direction. some of the seals are double, they go back to back. in one direction to keep the oil in and in the other direction to keep the water out. and they do have to be put in the right direction

 

[aerwin]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

also a new swivel housing is very expensive, just check to make sure yours is not worn. the last kit I bought did have the swivel seal in it,

 

[marinemech1]

Re: OMC Stringer Why is it a Plastic Plug?

corrosion