trying to seperate upper and lower omc stern drive

[danthern]

I'm attempting an impeller replacement on my 77 OMC stringer stern drive. I've been told that it's not necessary to remove the entire unit. I've removed the 6 bolts that hold the upper and lower together, but they don't seperate. It drops about 1/2 inch and thats it. It looks like something may be holding it at the back of the unit as the front part is the one that wants to drop. Any advice?<br />Thanks

 

[hondon]

Re: trying to seperate upper and lower omc stern drive

First of ,stop relying on the dockside technicians and get yourself a good manual before you screw up that shift cable that is not only expensive but also hard to change.The drive needs to come off.

 

[danthern]

Re: trying to seperate upper and lower omc stern drive

Thanks....I have the shop manual...Out with the drive it is.

 

[lahnlubba]

Re: trying to seperate upper and lower omc stern drive

danthern, i just did mine, and there is a spring that is attached to the 2 wires that go down to the lower unit, to keep tension on the wires when you turn,..it is up under the 6 bolts you removed, With a little work with needle nose pliers you can remove it, BUT!! before you drop off the leg,inside the boat at the back of the bell housing above the starter, find the rubber insulation covers for the shift wires, <br />remove the rubbers by sliding them up the wires 1 way or another, and you will find the joiners, these twist apart by moving them in opposite directions by about 90 deg, (you'll understand when you see them) then pull the wires thru the upper gear case,. then remove your leg, then on to the impeller,..i learned all this the hard way.. <br />hope this helps, mine is an 800 series on the back of an old sea ray,..(225hp)1973 they may be slightly different,..<br />nick

 

[danthern]

Re: trying to seperate upper and lower omc stern drive

Thanks Nick......I'll look at that. Got bigger problems now though. Oil is full of water. Its always something! Thanks again.<br />Dan