engine reinstall on '78 800 series stern drive

[passcq]

I recently bought a '78 omc 800 series to restore. The original engine was already out and gone. Stern drive still connected to transom. I have prepared an '87 350 V8 GM to go in it. Is there any reason I can't reinstall just like it was taken out, i.e. w/o removing the stern drive? Also the new engine has elect. ignition w/the coil integrated in the distributor cap. Can someone tell me how to wire to the existing ESA module and interrupt/overstroke switches? Does the ESA module need to be replace just by going to electronic ignition? Also, how hard/$$ is it to replace manual shift cable from the intermediate housing to the upper gear case? Should this be done/adjusted by a technician only?

 

[MikeK2B]

Re: engine reinstall on '78 800 series stern drive

I looked up the engine wiring diagram in my clymers OMC manual, and it looks like all you need to do is connect the negative terminal of the coil to the gray ESA wire INSTEAD of connecting the coil to ground. The diagram I am looking at is the '86 model in the clymers manual (sorry, thats the earliest year it has). I do not believe the ESA changed in design between the '70s and 80's. As for the electronic ignition, is this a marine distributor? Nobody recommends using automotive distibutors, alternators, starters, waterpumps, and carbs in a boat. (there may be some other parts that i missed) If you must use automotive... run your blower 5-10min before starting!!!!! In the rare event that you do not have one, ADD ONE IMMEDIATLY! Anyway, to get the electronic ignition to work, you need to add a diode fix. Thats what Pertronix uses to fix the ESA problem with their electronic ignitions, but it should work for you too. I'm not sure about your other questions, but someone else on this forum will. I can e-mail the diagram i was looking at if you want, just send me your e-mail address.

 

[DJ]

Re: engine reinstall on '78 800 series stern drive

passcq,<br /><br />If you are using a GM HEI distributor on this replacement engine, I wouldn't. It is NOT Coast Guard approved. It is not a spark sealed unit as required by law.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: engine reinstall on '78 800 series stern drive

Not a mechanic by any means but have swapped an engine or three on these older OMC drives.Make sure that the flywheel bolt pattern is the same as your old engine so that your drive coupling will bolt up. I had plenty of room to move the engine around & we never touched the outdrive when changing engines.

 

[passcq]

Re: engine reinstall on '78 800 series stern drive

Thanks for the response to my email. I have been out of town on business for 2 weeks and unable to respond. I would like to have the diagrams you mentioned though if they are still available. Particularly those showing the overstroke switch and interrupt switch which you didn't mention in your reply. Please send to clay.q.pass@lmco.com if you can. Much thanks!!<br /><br />Clay