Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

[projectguy]

Hi eveybody,<br />I am looking at a 1981 Glastron ssv168 bowrider with an OMC 140hp 4 cyl i/o. <br />I have some experience with outboards, but not with I/O. Can anybody suggest what to look for, or any tests I can do out of the water? Can I run the motor, and if so, how. The price is quite reasonable, but the lady is a widow and is affraid to let me take it to a lake, for insurance reasons. It has been sitting for 3 years and then she took it to a marina <br /> last year for a servicing where they told her all was well. The Engine block has some rust on it, but other than that it seems quite clean. <br />Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks to all.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

hook up the muffs just like an outboard and run<br />her.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

That is an OMC stringer drive, not made since 1985--make sure you call around and see if you can get parts and service where you are. Many places will not work on the old stingers anymore.<br />On a boat that age you'd do better with a Merc power package.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

Can anybody suggest what to look for,

Another Boat.............<br />You're Begging for a Huge Money Pit.........<br />There are Many Deals out there with Drives that are of Better Design,+ More Plentiful....... <br /><br />I Repeat,<br />Run Away from That Boat..........<br />It's Not the Deal you Think it is..........

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

What do you call a "reasonable" price? You may be able to get it for even less if you explain to her that parts are getting near impossible to get for the stringer drive.<br /><br />Be aware that boats of this age can cost you thousands to repair and lots of work. How's the floor? Is it soft anywhere? If yes, you may need to replace it and maybe the stringers underneath too. Has this boat always sat outside in the weather or inside in a garage?

 

[kponhlo]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

You've gotten replies from some pretty experienced folks so far...I am inexperienced (1st boat - '85 OMC 4cyl - owned for 1 year). However, If you're determined, you should check the upper & lower gearcases for evidence of water (by pulling the drain plugs a little), check ALL the control cables for fraying/damage, and listen closely for bearing noise when running in gear on muffs. Check the ball gears for wear. Be prepared to replace some seals and the impeller in the drive from sitting. Above all, search online for new and used parts BEFORE you buy it - they are there but hard to find at a good price.

 

[Skipster1]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

On top of all the good cautions you've gotten about this boat - reasons why not to get it - let me add another.<br />Any engine that has sat for three years without being run once in a while is a disaster waiting to happend.<br />Too many things dry up and will need replacing within the first 3 months of usage.<br />Engines thrive on use and tend to start dying with no use.<br />I wouldn't take the chance.... the price you pay for it now - no matter how low - is nothing compared to what you will be paying for the next two years.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Looking at an OMC 140hp 1981

My mother used to say,Douglas,look but don't touch.She was right in many cases,including this one<br />DHP