4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

[Liquid_force]

Hi - Last spring I purchased an '89 19' sunbird with a 4.3 Omc/cobra set up. So far it appears the previous owner did minimal to below average maintenance on it. <br />There is something going on with the steering system - it seems to hang up every 1/8 turn of the wheel or so to where the stern drive seems to "jump" as opposed to glide. Most noticable at low speeds. It's hard to explain, but the point is it doesn't steer smoothly. <br /><br />I'm planning to replace the steering cable this off season and I'm just trying to gather some general info on the job and what sort of time and money (for the part) I should expect to spend.<br /><br />Also, the boat always seemed to have a minor vibration at low speeds. I was told the u-joints and/or gimble bearing may need attention (fwiw - prop was in average cond. at best - bad enough that I'm having it rebuilt this winter - could that have caused the vibration?). However, I removed the sterndrive for the winter - u-joints seem silky smooth. Is there anyway to determine if the gimble needs replaced before I buy the part? Or should I do it anyway being that I'm fairly sure it is 15 years old? <br /><br />I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and I've been around boats most of my life, but 95% of my mechanical know how came from working on cars. <br /><br />Hope someone has some pointers. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

A damaged prop can very easily be the reason for vibration. It is a good idea to replace the bearing as you're in there anyway.<br /><br />Make sure you measure the steering cable accurately before ordering a new. Excess length is impossible to put away and will force the cable into strange angles thus make it work bad.<br /><br />If the bad operation follows the steering wheel turns accurately you should check the gears in the steeringwheel assy. Disconnect the cable at the outdrive and check. If still not smooth, the drive pivot can be excluded.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

Originally posted by UU:<br />A damaged prop can very easily be the reason for vibration. It is a good idea to replace the bearing as you're in there anyway.<br /><br />Make sure you measure the steering cable accurately before ordering a new. Excess length is impossible to put away and will force the cable into strange angles thus make it work bad.

I was planning to remove the cable and take it to a shop to have it sized correctly.<br /><br />Thanks for the info.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

The gear behind the wheel isn't as expensive as one might fear. If it's working bad, replace it. Steering also represents a safety issue.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

Liquid_force,<br />I've got a Barn Full of Old Steering gear....<br />It's All Junk....<br />Once they start to Bind, It's All Down Hill.....<br />The prices on the New Teliflex systems are Cheap...<br />The price of a new cable is only a few dollars less than a Complete System.....<br />You can have a New,+ Safe system for Less than a couple hundred Bucks..... <br />When you're playing with Boats... That's Cheap....<br />The length of your cable will be stamped on the cablehousing, within 18"/24" from the end.....<br />Wipe it off,+ You'll see it......<br />If it's the Helm gear that's stripped a gear/ chipped a tooth, the Only real Question is "Do you Replace it with a Rack + Pinion, or Rotary helm??"....... <br />If you're Handy with a Wrench, Your looking at a Couple Hours, From Start to Finish....<br />To OverHaul your's, It's Not Really a Servicable Part.... You'll spend Days,+ end up with Busted Knuckles... <br />And Still needing a New Helm.....<br /><br />The Gimbal Bearing is Easy to Check,+ You're Already Where you've got to get too.......<br />Look up into the Gimbal Housing... The little Hole the Driveshaft slides into IS the Gimbal Bearing.... Stick your Finger into it,+ See what it Feels like... Should be nice + Smooth, Not gritty Feeling.... Age has Nothing to do with it... Check All the Bellows,+ Hoses in there while you're at it....<br /><br />

(fwiw - prop was in average cond. at best - bad enough that I'm having it rebuilt this winter - could that have caused the vibration?).

Yes ....<br />I'm Amazed at the Appathy with Prop Condition, Both on the boards,+ on the water.....<br />We All try to get the Best,+ the Most out of our boats... What Spark Plugs.. What Oil.. Bigger Carbs.. Yet, No Matter How Great your motor Runs.... It's the Prop that Turns that Power, Into Motion...<br />I see it all the time... If mentioned, the reply is,"Naw, It still works fine"... No it Don't..!!<br />Get your's rebuilt... Then decide if it's the Right 1 for your boat... <br />Then buy Another 1.... Carry a spare....<br />Prop Dings bigger than 3/16ths" Should be addressed...<br />What I've seen of "average cond." Isn't Very Good......<br />

Hope someone has some pointers.

Go to the Top of This page + Click on Manuals......<br />Or ebay, or wherever... Get yourself a Good Manual for Your Engine/Outdrive...... <br />Then Read it...

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

Wow - excellent post.<br />Concerning the prop - I agree - I see a LOT of props that beg the question - how the hell did they do that???<br />Mine is not in that bad of shape. MAYBE ONE 1/8" knick, other than that just some scraped edges here and there. I'm having it rebuilt just to eliminate it as a possibility.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 4.3 OMC steering/sterndrive maint.

Thnx Bondo - u made my daY