New to OMC...Do I have these model numbers right?

[Urbansq1]

I am new to boats in general. I have a 1979 Starfire. I just want to be sure what motor and what outdrive I have so I can look for the right parts as needed.

Model number on the tag of the valve covers.
Engine 990251s(351W 5.8?)
Drive 982436
On the lower unit of the outdrive it has a model number of 982743

Is that a stringer 800?
Anyinfo would be great.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Usually those plates or stickers disappear after a year or 2.
990251s is a 79
The drive I couldn't find anything but it's probably the one that came with the boat, considering
it still has the sticker?
Try to find a mechanic that has experience with the older stuff.
Have them go over the drive and check it out.

Parts and people who work on these is getting harder to find everyday.

 

[Scott Danforth]

First..... welcome aboard

Second, if you dont own the boat and are thinking of buying it, dont..... buy something else

if you already bought the boat and just got it.... can you return it and get your money back

If the boat is yours, we can help. however keep in mind the stringer went obsolete over 35 years ago, and OMC went out of business over 20 years ago.


if its original to 1979, you have a hydro-mechanical shift stringer 800.

couple that obsolete drive with your obsolete ford motor and you have the least desirable combination of motor and drive there is.

you will need a factory manual. those are available at https://outboardbooks.com/

do not use a seloc or clymer manual. they are full of incorrect infomation.

you will also need the near to impossible to find parts for your stringer. use the website below....they also have great videos

http://sterndrive.info/

the problem areas:
lower shift cable is $750, do not damage the one you have
vertical drive shaft is prone to failure - if yours hasnt been replaced, you will be rebuilding the drive to replace them
ball gears are a wear item. if they are about 1/3 worn, time to replace.
transom boot: you need an OEM boot as the aftermarket do not seem last.... problem is OMG went out of buiness
tilt motor - you will be rebuilding your tilt drive

you will need to learn to rebuild your stringer drive or find a long-retired OMC guy to help work on it. Most of todays marine mechanics wont work on them or have never seen them

kenny nunez

 

[southkogs]

990251s is a 1979 OMC 250HP. Use that model number and your HP rating to find parts. Numbers on the drives didn't mean a whole lot. Gear ratios do

Scott's right, all things equal it's a hydro-mechanical shift.