5.7 cobra transom zerk fitting

[Donzi GT250]

During spring painting of my drive on my 1989 OMC 5.7 Cobra I noticed that the zerk (0313607) fitting on the outboard starboard side of the transom mount was a bit loose.
When I tried to tighten the zerk I find it will tighten to a point then go loose.
This indicates to me the grease tube (0911843) that the zerk threads into is stripped. So beings that the drive needs to be removed (and I just had this done to lube the u joints and bearings) to replace the grease tube I was going to clean the threads on the tube and the zerk and then use some 5200 sealant on the threads and tighten the zerk to the point just before it lets loose.
Then I want to take 5200 around the outside of the zerk for better sealing.
At the end of the season I will have my annual maintenance done which includes removing the drive and lubing the U joints and bearing and i am going to have the grease tube and zerk replaced.
I only just want to seal it for this season until I replace the tube and zerk at the next maintenance cycle.
Do you think this will work OK?
Or do you have any other recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 5.7 cobra transom zerk fitting

I am not sure if it will work.. Your gamble...

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: 5.7 cobra transom zerk fitting

i have the exact same problem i greased the gimble bearing and when i took the grease gun off i found that the zerk was still on the end................ i just put it back on as tight as i dared[being a plastic tube]. so far so good i will have it replaced when i have bellows done or if i get a problem with it.

 

[Donzi GT250]

Re: 5.7 cobra transom zerk fitting

Can anybody tell me what is the correct thread size for the factory zerk fitting?
I was thinking of trying to find a zerk with the correct thread size and pitch but with a longer threaded section so i can get a better bite in the plastic grease tube.
Also wouldn't the residual grease in the grease tube act as a seal and not let water into the gimbal bearing housing even if the zerk leaked just a little?

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: 5.7 cobra transom zerk fitting

Also wouldn't the residual grease in the grease tube act as a seal and not let water into the gimbal bearing housing even if the zerk leaked just a little?

Nope.. grease will wash away.. Fill the bellows.. Ruin the gimble and the ujoints.( this is a issue written about multiple times in the forum).. 15 min to remove the drive.. 15 min to replace the tube.. 15 min and a new gasket and rubber seal(like $7) and the outdrive is back on.. I know it looks tough and overwhelming.. It's not.. found a good thread for ya hope it helps....
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=362490&highlight=grease+tube+replacement