What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

[t2sunquan]

Long story short, bought the boat a couple weeks ago, runs fine, i want to do some winter projects with it (clean carbs, gas tanks, upholstery, etc). I know the engine is a GM and that's just about all i know, the guy i bought it from claims it was rebuilt 300 hours ago but then again he also claimed it was a Ford so goes to show what i believe he knows. Anyways the boat is a 82 Mark Twain 195BR, i know virtually nothing about the boat which is sad but it was a steal on the price and i wanted something to replace my 72 17' Johnson Trihull. Pictures are attached so maybe someone here can give me info on everything.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

More engine pictures:

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Pictures of the sterndrive:

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

OMC stringer drive, mechanical shift. Drive will be a series 800. Engine is either a Chevrolet 307 or 305.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

What about the carb? Is it a 2GC or a 2G? I'm trying to get a list together of all the parts i need to do somewhat of a mild tune-up.

 

[southkogs]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Engine number calls it a 1980 ... Chevy 305.

Should be able to find stuff for it HERE. Click on parts, select "stern drives" in the drop down on the upper left ... then navigate to your engine.

 

[Nivekt]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Drive is a hydro-mechanical Stringer 800. Produced from '79 to '82 I believe. Come join our Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/277902375646149/

Also, we have a thread: http://forums.iboats.com/non-repair...dro-full-mechanical-friends-group-583788.html

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Before you sink a lot of $$$ check the drive real good. Get the factory manual.
Not many people work on them anymore.
Parts are available. But drive isin't really that reliable.
Keep the gear lube fresh and greased.
The motor looks good for the year!!

 

[southkogs]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Before you sink a lot of $$$ check the drive real good. Get the factory manual.

Yes, very good idea. Look for a factory manual if you can. Also a good idea with the drive to pay attention to how much you can put into it. The Stringer has been obsolete since '85 and OMC outta' business since somwhere in the 90's.

Not many people work on them anymore.

True. You'll become your own mechanic on the drive too. You might find a marine guy or two who'll work on 'em, but not many.

Parts are available.

True again. You have to do some searching sometimes, but they can be found.

But drive isin't really that reliable.

Sorry Jerry, but I completely disagree. The Stringer is old and outdated, but well maintained they are a good drive. I very much like mine. They designed some goofy stuff on 'em, but on the overall I have found them to be robust. T2, If you were looking at buying the boat, I'd probably have said "no." Since you already have it, see if you can make it go.

It can't be converted (except with a lot of time or money) to another drive system - hole in the transom is WAY too big. So, decide on a point of no return (money and effort), see what you can come up with to get it going and give it a whirl. If you have to bail out of the project, you can probably part the engine and drive out to recover some money.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

The guy was hard up for money, so i bought it for $500. Just did a compression test: 130 across the board. I'll be checking the drive tomorrow, I hate this Chicago winter.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

So upon inspecting everything he said he winterized it, it seems to be pink antifreeze but its slushy/frozen? Heres a picture and please tell me this is normal.

 

[Nivekt]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

So upon inspecting everything he said he winterized it, it seems to be pink antifreeze but its slushy/frozen? Heres a picture and please tell me this is normal. View attachment 178123 View attachment 178124

Sorry to say, that is not normal. There definitely shouldnt be anything frozen in/around an engine. Looks like the previous owner just added some antifreeze to the cooling system rather than completely drain all water and fill with antifreeze. I would remove the manifolds and risers and check them thoroughly for cracks. Also, while you have them off it will be easier to check all areas of the block for cracks.

Hey, if it turns out to be a bust, you can part this thing out on Ebay and make way more than $500!

 

[Nivekt]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

double post.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

I checked the outside of the block and there seems to be no cracks, when i took the hoses off the manifolds all the antifreeze came out which is odd to me(not frozen or slushy), really the only thing that had slush in it was the giant hose to the water pump and the thermostat housing. I'm ready to just take this whole engine apart and rebuild it.. last thing i need is to be stranded come spring time with a cracked block.

 

[t2sunquan]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Here's a really dumb question: If i put a small 1200w space heater in the engine compartment with the cover on for a few days(fuel lines taken out and fuel drained), could this possibly save the block if it hasn't been ruined already? I would imagine it would warm the block up just enough to melt all the antifreeze/water out. I've removed every cooling hose, plug, and petcock. It hasn't been colder than 20F(even at night) here...

 

[Bondo]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

Ayuh,.... All ya can do is Try it, 'n Hope for the Best...

Once drained, the cooling system can be pressure tested with air...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

The PINK STUFF was made that way.It would get crystals but not freeze hard like water.
When it came out in the 80's we tried to freeze it. Put it in 3 different freezers and it only turned to slush.
Basically the same as the pink stuff for RV's.
They made it illegal to use regular auto antifreeze in winterizing in Md. So we were forced to use the pink stuff.
Never had a broken block.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

I would classify it one step up from the electric shift. Dang did I use to hate working on those things years ago. Was glad they mostly disappeared down here on the gulf coast due to corrosion and age. Most of the aftermarket stuff has dried up. Replace a million of those intermediate shafts.

 

[southkogs]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

I would classify it one step up from the electric shift. Dang did I use to hate working on those things years ago...

<<sniffle>> aww gee Cap'n. I resemble that remark.

 

[jsturvey]

Re: What engine/sterndrive is this? More boat info?

I would love to see a boat with this type of drive system restored. It may be outdated, but I just love seeing older vintage engineering still in operation.