Outdrive water pump

[OMC73]

1973 omc outdrive needs a new water pump. I read in my Seloc manual and it says to remove the entire outdrive from the intermediate housing. The manual makes it seem like a complicated job. Couldn't I just drop the lower unit to access the pump that way and leave the outdrive attached to the boat?

 

[southkogs]

You'd be working upside down, but you can do it.

Removing the electric shift stern drive is a 15 minute process, and if you've got a cradle to hold the drive you can do it all by yourself. It's a HECK of a lot easier to swap the impeller kit with the drive off.

 

[Scott Danforth]

while you have the drive apart, look at the splines on the vertical drive shaft that go thru the water pump. that is a known failure area

while the drive is off, inspect your ball-gears. if worn 50% or more, replace

 

[OMC73]

Ok thanks for the tips. I feel the manual is a bit vague with low quality pictures too. I'm pretty mechanical though but boats are new to me. The boat hasn't been used in at least 2 years that I know of. So I feel I might as well check it out. I got the boat started last weekend and it goes into forward and reverse fine. I just don't know about the impeller because I used a hose attached to the flushing hook up for my water supply. So it's best to go at the pump from the exhaust housing?

 

[southkogs]

Best to change the impeller anyway. I would typically do mine every two years.

The exhaust housing is really just a cover. The impeller is at the bottom of the upper gear case of the stern drive (sort of "inside" the exhaust housing) ... no matter how you decide to approach it ... make sure you disconnect your shift wires inside the boat. They run all the way down to the lower, and that's gotta' come completely off.

 

[OMC73]

Best to change the impeller anyway. I would typically do mine every two years.

The exhaust housing is really just a cover. The impeller is at the bottom of the upper gear case of the stern drive (sort of "inside" the exhaust housing) ... no matter how you decide to approach it ... make sure you disconnect your shift wires inside the boat. They run all the way down to the lower, and that's gotta' come completely off.

Ok. I guess I'm just going to have to dive into it. I found a few ideas on a DIY out drive stand that I think i will make.Thanks for the tips

 

[southkogs]

Getcha' a good manual - you're going to need it. A shop manual would be best.

 

[OMC73]

Getcha' a good manual - you're going to need it. A shop manual would be best.

I got the Seloc but in my opinion it isn't great. Where should I look for a shop manual?

Never mind I found them on this site of all places lol