Replacing an OMC Outdrive

[chadly12345]

I just got a Mark Twain 175 nearly free, but as I read on I am figuring out why. It has an 1981 OMC Stringer outdrive and no one seem to have much good to say about them.<br /><br />The engine is 3.8L v6, I was told it is a buick engine. But here's the question. Can the outdrive be changed out for another? If so what might be a good one to look at.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Replacing an OMC Outdrive

For starters you would have to rebuild your transom. The OMC stringer mounts to the, you guessed it, the stringers, via the engine, not the transom. I would assume that most boats built for the OMC had lightweight transoms, not intending to take the thrust of the outdrive.<br /><br />Additionally, the hole in the transom would be the wrong shape and in the wrong place. <br /><br />After all that, your motor may or may not have been used by another outdrive manufacturer. If, by chance they did then you would have to change everything from the intermediate housing back.<br /><br />I don't think the stringer is as bad as many make it out to be. Just look at all of the problems, described herein, about mercs. I've been running an 800 for goin on 24 years and have had no problems. Keep your fluids changed and full and don't run with the outdrive tilted up.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Replacing an OMC Outdrive

Hey it was nearly free. If it runs and works and doesnt sink, go have fun with it. Just stay close.<br />I say stay close not just because it's a stringer but because it is an old boat that most likely has issues. Be careful, be safe, and you'll be fine.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Replacing an OMC Outdrive

Mark Twain was a fine vessel, well-built.<br /><br />Make sure you do not have any rotten areas in the transom around the big rubber "boot." Many of the OMC Stringer rigs leaked around the boot if it was not serviced/replaced when due.<br /><br />Trim and tilt motors will be another big challenge, if it has not been run in awhile.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Replacing an OMC Outdrive

Chadly<br />The stringer has worked well for me. I have a 1980 I got new. About 3 years ago I did have to have it worked on for the first time. The splines on the water pump drive shaft went bad and that also drives the lower unit. The only real problem I worry about is OMC is out of business and Bombardier who bought the Johnson / Evinrude line want to sell it. So worry that you will not be able to get part. It is also getting harder to find dealers who will work on the stringer outdrive. I ask a vovo dealer who in later years work with OMC to develope their cobra drive what it would cost to convert to a new outdrive. About 3 years ago the answer was about $10 K.<br /><br />The out drive does have some thing I like and was the reason I picked it as my engine. One thing I like is it turns a full 90 degrees instead of 60 degrees. This means comming to the dock in high winds you can go a lot slower. Also the prop will lift all the way out of the water whidh is nice if you should get something wrapped around the prop. That happened to me twice one time a plastic bag and the other time some kelp but both were easy to clear without getting wet. I saw another guy run over his own anchor roap but was able to clear without getting wet.

 

[chadly12345]

Re: Replacing an OMC Outdrive

Thanks<br /><br />I have found quite a bit on this site very helpful. In fact I think I have a good idea where to start on some problems with the tilt.<br /><br />I guess I wont try to change it out. By the time all the money is invested I might as well by a new boat. I am told by the friend who found it that the engine is in good shape and probably will only need a general tune up. The only major problem is the tilt motor binds up(I think I've got that figured out) Second its' filthy. A little elbow grease will take care of that. <br /><br />Otherwise its a sound cheap boat. Not to brag but I got it for a $150 from a guy who just wanted it out of his yard.<br /> <br /><br />Now