Newbie w/Oldie

[wire knot]

Hey y'all,
Neat forum.
Just puchased a '75 mako w/225 OMC, 307 GM v8
Haven't ever run an I/O. Eventually plan a repower.
But....funds prevent that now.
Anyway, whats the chance this baby will run.
Owner says it was running last year.
Not so worried about the motor, its the OD that concerns me.
can you guys give me a search topic to give me some reading.

Thanks
WK

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Thats an 800 Stringer Drive system. You probably won't like what you read.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Thats an 800 Stringer Drive system. You probably won't like what you read.

Ayuh...........

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Welcome aboard Wire Knot,
Pull the spark plugs and see how they look.signs of rust on the plugs is not good.
Replace plugs,change oil,hook up the water hose and see if she runs.
Don't ever run that drive with it tilted up.
If it runs keep a close eye on engine temp.
There are alot of old stringer drives out there but parts are getting scarce.
Put it in the lake and test it out....Good luck..

 

[wire knot]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Thanks for the replies.

I know I've got my hands full.
There is a waterhose fitting on the OD,next to the
transom,port side. is this for running on the hose.
Or just for "cold" flushing

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

I think you can use that for running but i would wait for some replys from some stringer guys just to make sure..
How does the rubber boot look around the outdrive?

 

[wire knot]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

I have checked it SOME.
Seems good.
The boat had a full cover for its life.
One of the main buying pts for me.
This is the first boat (had four others) I've had
That I couldn,t splash imediatly.
I knew it when I bought it.

IT'S KILLIN' ME

Thanks for your replies.

WK

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

1975 would have an electric shift stringer mount drive system. (OMC did not use the term 800 series until 1978 ). Yes, that hose fitting is for running on land. Where the water pickup is on your drive, you'll see there's no way to put muffs on, so that adapter does the trick.
Step 1 on the OD:
Find all 3 level check plugs for the Intermediate, upper, and lower compartments. Check and then change the fluids. Use OMC type C or Premium Blend gear oil only.
Step 2 -If the fluids checked out full, clean and not excessively milky, run it and see if it shifts F and R.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

I doubt I'd do a repower if the engine checks out ok, ...the 4 BBL version of the 307 was rated 245HP in 1975.
You'll want to find out if the drive is high profile or low profile. If it's low, you have some options for going to a mechanical shift 800 series.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

stay away......those things are problamatic...hard to find parts for and harder to find a mechanic that will touch them....

 

[wire knot]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Hystat, thanks for the reply,
Need more info to changing to mech shift, thanks

fender, I'm sure your right.
but I'm quite mechanical, so I do all the work myself.
There is only $$$$ now for minor repairs so.......
Gonna get a big paddle dd

After all I'm calling her a PROJECT Mako.

Hell, my '99 aquasport is real close to a Project.
and I bought her new:/:/

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Is it low or high profile?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

I have that excact same setup and year, and it works wonderfully. Just keep a very close eye on the gear oil. they are notorious for bringing in a bit of water. Also, when running on hose(yes, that adapter is for running out of water) Do not use too much water pressure! Since those seals are already usually a bit problematic, running with high pressure can introduce water into the drive oil before you even get to the lake.

Do not run with the drive tilted at all if possible. In a life and death situation, tilt it up a bit, but you are always asking for trouble doing that.

Check the tilt gear housing oil, and change it. Also lube the tilt quadrant very well with marine grease as well as the zerks on the pivot points.

Try not to shift from forward to reverse without letting the propellor come to a stop, and use only aluminum props, dont put a SS on there, the mass is just too much and is asking for issues.

While its true it is a royal pain to find a shop to work on those, take care of it and it should work out for you fine.

 

[wire knot]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Very encouraging
Thanks Mahoney.
Have started turning her over.
Getting fire but no run.
Gonna rebuid the carb.

Any advice on freeing up the steering?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

I have the non-true course steering, so I wouldn't be able to help you with the worm gear steering. If you don't have a manual for that drive combo, I would seriously get one.

Clymer and Seloc should get you a good idea for most issues, but an original OMC manual would be better. That along with this forum should pretty much get you through any issues you have.

Depending on how old the carb is, those can be tricky. I am guessing you have a rochester quad on there. they are great carbs, but definitely not plug-and-play. they cantake a lot of tweaking to get right. Follow the rebuild instructions closely to get you to a good starting point, and experiment with only one adjustment at a time to dial it in.

Feel free to start another thread on your specific issues and what you have done so far to get it started. There is nothing like hearing those things purr for the firt time after hours of dedicated work!

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Forgot to mention, since you are not farmiliar with those drives, a repower to another sterndrive system will require transoma nd fiberglass work, as the stringer drives bolt directly to the motor and do not bolt to the transom, as do the mercs and volvos.

Just another reason to get the repower thing out of your head unless you like that kind of challenge. Better to get it up and running, enjoy it and look later for a drive system and boat settup you want.

 

[wire knot]

Re: Newbie w/Oldie

Thanks ALOT Mahoney,
I see from your sig. We have the same unit.

I agree to get this one going is prefered.

I'm not scared of some fiberglass work on the transom.
Really just a funding thing on the repower!

The BOAT is the one I want.
I've always said GOOD old boat,....NEW power, is the way to go.

Thanks again
WK