1976 OMC 120HP worm gear retainer kit

[budmanboat]

I recently had to replace lower housing because clutch pack housing had developed a corroded hole on back side and leaked out all oil. The unit I had initially had a plate that bolted on to prevent the worm gear from backing out due to some external shock, ( hitting submerged object) . Due to the age of unit, An earlier model was located in good condition except the worm gear is held in place by a retainer spring washer . These have a history of corrosion and when weak, will give way under minimal pressure. OMC realized the problem and developed a worm gear retainer kit Part # 981348. Only problem is they are VERY hard to locate and if you do, they cost around $ 110-120. Which is still cheap compared to the
cost of replacing worm gear and labor. I made up a template and had a stainless steel shop fab one with 16 gauge stainless which will bolt onto the housing with two 1/4 x 1 stainless hex bolts and lock nuts for $ 60.00 .While browsing the web, I found an excellent narrative written by Lee K. Shuster http://hhscott.com/evenrude. If you have or know of anyone with a 70s OMC outdrive, this is a well done read and has a parts list with parts numbers. Wish I had seen this years ago.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 1976 OMC 120HP worm gear retainer kit

A shame Bud, but your link does not work. I'da been interested in seeing what it said. I have a '75 intermediate housing and have learned how to not create problems with the tilt assembly, however the retainer is a good idea 'cause if the shaft ever spits out, you will be in deep doo doo.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1976 OMC 120HP worm gear retainer kit

HERE ya' go Boom. The guy put together a couple Evinrude boats with OMC drives and has a great compilation of details on the Stringers (primarily electric shift).

Welcome Budmanboat.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 1976 OMC 120HP worm gear retainer kit

HERE ya' go Boom. The guy put together a couple Evinrude boats with OMC drives and has a great compilation of details on the Stringers (primarily electric shift).

Welcome Budmanboat.

Interesting, in that link, is this statement:

"Do not confuse the first-generation, "Electric-shift Stringer" with the second-generation OMC 400 and 600/800-series...."

Note the reference to a 600 series. Someone recently posted that he had a 600 drive and was corrected by a poster, that he must have meant 800. I have never heard of this before.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1976 OMC 120HP worm gear retainer kit

..Someone recently posted that he had a 600 drive and was corrected by a poster, that he must have meant 800. I have never heard of this before.

LOL, that "by a poster" was me.

Now that you point that line out, I've now heard of it from one place!