Rebuilding 1986 Stringer Outdrive Upper Gearcase

[samocamo123]

Recently, I opened up the upper gearcase of my boat because the steering was getting stuck. After opening it up, I first noticed the oil looked like silver metallic flake paint and then noticed there was big pea sized chunks of metal sitting in there (the reason the steering was locking up was because a big chunk got stuck in the gear teeth). I am assuming a bearing or something blew up and caused this. Does anyone have any ideas on where to start with rebuilding the upper gearcase or how much it will cost? The model number for the engine/drive is 302STHRCOM.

 

[southkogs]

I've never had any transmission type experience - so I was not confident that I had the tools or knowledge to ever rebuild mine. What I wound up doing was finding a replacement upper. It wasn't terribly hard or grossly expensive.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you need proper tools, most people that did work on them are long gone. a few retired folk are here on iBoats. Hey kenny nunez , pointer here for a grenaded OMG stringer.

My suggestion, find a good working upper on fleabay

 

[kenny nunez]

Try to locate a good unit. Without the right tools and shimming equipment it is not feasible. I used to buy a complete gear set which came with the bearings mounted and already shimmed where I would just clean out the case then reassemble it.
Your drive has been running with more water in it than oil. You may be able to find a New Old Stock gear set from Crowley Marine. The 165, 170 &190 models used the same gear set.

 

[samocamo123]

Try to locate a good unit. Without the right tools and shimming equipment it is not feasible. I used to buy a complete gear set which came with the bearings mounted and already shimmed where I would just clean out the case then reassemble it.
Your drive has been running with more water in it than oil. You may be able to find a New Old Stock gear set from Crowley Marine. The 165, 170 &190 models used the same gear set.

Is it possible to take all of the gears and bearings out, clean the gearcase, and then put them back in without special tools, shims, etc? I know something has to be destroyed considering the amount of metal powder and chunks in the gearcase, but other than metal getting shoved into the steering gear, nothing appears to be broken. After cleaning the chunks of metal that were stuck in the steering gear out, the upper gearcase functions perfectly, the boat drives and steers fine. Also, if the only issue is a grenaded bearing or something similar, is there any way I could replace that one bearing without special tools?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Is it possible to take all of the gears and bearings out, clean the gearcase, and then put them back in without special tools, shims, etc? I know something has to be destroyed considering the amount of metal powder and chunks in the gearcase, but other than metal getting shoved into the steering gear, nothing appears to be broken. After cleaning the chunks of metal that were stuck in the steering gear out, the upper gearcase functions perfectly, the boat drives and steers fine. Also, if the only issue is a grenaded bearing or something similar, is there any way I could replace that one bearing without special tools?

No, each bearing is slightly different from the next. you need to have the tools and a pile of shims.

find someone that still rebuilds them, however you are starting to look for a golden needle in a haystack.

 

[kpg7121]

Most mechanics won't even work on Cobra's let alone your setup. Why deal with the hassle of dealing with obsolete drive systems when they have plenty of work keeping Mercs running? Ebay is your friend with that setup. Up to you.