Re: Intermediate Housing lube change
If your outdrive is the same age as your boat, it is an electric shift OMC model. There is no drainplug for the intermediate housing, There is also very little lube in the housing. It is just there to keep the double bearing set, for the drive shaft lubricated. You can suck as much out as you can and refill back to the opening of the fill hole.<br /><br />When they went to the cable/hydraulic shift (800) in 1978, I believe they put in a drain plug. Otherwise there is very little difference in the intermediate housings.<br /><br />A word to the wise. Before I'd go to the bother of changing the lube, I would pull the drive shaft out, checking your ball gears at the same time, and inspect the splines. If they are worn, the coupler is probably worse and you could be in danger of spinning the shaft in the coupler. That means you stop and do not pass go and you'll pay out $200.00 plus.<br /><br />In 1978 or so, they went to a heavier spline that will not wear out. I just put one in my '75 302. Mine looked scary and it was two years newer, driving a lighter boat with a smaller motor. Needless to say, you will have to pull the engine to get to the coupler. A new shaft and coupler are not cheap but.....<br /><br />Now, aren't you glad you asked?
<br /><br />Ps, if major repair is ever nec, on the outdrive itself, and you want to keep the boat, convert to a late mechanical shift 800 drive. With a new shift lever and cables, they bolt right to your intermediate housing.
