OMC 2.3 Locked Up

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

So there are two different lubricating points? I only did the lower unit. I didn't touch the top one. Is the dipstick you are referring to the one in the top inspection cover? If so, it is empty. Trying to remove the lower unit first. Having trouble getting it all of the way off. Gets about an inch down and stops.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

I will try to get the drive pulled this evening. I first drained the lube from the bottom drain screw. I removed the upper screw from the lower unit. I then filled from the bottom screw via the pump that came with the lube. I filled until it started to seep from the top screw on the lower unit.

Geez.......I missed that complete reply. Yep, I would say there "IS" a problem. How long did you run it that way?<br />Can we assume you don't have a service manual handy?<br />Did you drain the gear lube out of the lower before you started taking it apart? What did the oil look like. Any chunks on the magnet?

 

[tommays]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

jas<br /><br />the drive should have been filled from the middle plug SLOWLY until it filled up to the dip stick on top<br /><br />many people just use the bottom plug and are carefull to get the correct amount of oil in the drive<br /><br /><br />i would not recomend forceing apart the drive without reading a service manual but i think you allready my have a problem<br /><br />tommays

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

If you still have the drive on the boat, you will have to get it off the boat so you can get the shift mechanism to clear everything.

 

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

OK guys. I pulled the entire outdrive off. The engine still runs great!! The problem is that the gears that mesh in the top of the outdrive wont turn. The horizontal shaft still seems to be free and will move slightly. The gear that drives the shaft going to the lower unit seems to be frozen. I am going back out to the garage in a minute to try and get that assembly apart.<br />NO chunks are collected on the magnet. It ran for maybe 15 minutes before seizing.It may be that the bearing has seized to the shaft. Special tool needed?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

what type of drive is it?

 

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

It is an OMC drive. Model # 985683

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

this may help.<br /> http://216.37.204.206/Shorts/omc_oem/OMC.asp?Type=13&A=9&B=15

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

Bt, It's a Cobra, the 2.3 was only used 87 to 90.

 

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

That's the picture. Now if I can get the thing apart I can get some pieces ordered. I really appreciate all of the tips and pointers I have been given today

 

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

I have gotten the main shaft out of the drive. I can see that the bearing on the pinion shaft have come apart putting the whole assembly in a bind. I will find a shop around somewhere that will take the nut off of the shaft so I can pull it out and see what all is needed.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

hello<br />sounds like your on your way.a service manual is going to be imperative. but at least now ya know what happens if the drive is not filled to the correct mark on the dipstick . your not the first one that has ever just filled the lower and forgot to fill the upper .

 

[seahorse5]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

Yep, that's why I asked the question earlier about a gearcase oil change. Not that long ago, someone recently posted a similar problem due to a mechanic not filling a Cobra Drive correctly, but caught the problem due to a noisey outdrive before the gear teeth flared out and/or a bearing seized. But he still had some internal damage.<br /><br />Unfortunately, you have a very expensive repair job ahead with new parts and the special tools that are needed. You may be dollars ahead by finding a used upper unit that is in good shape.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

It's a blessing it's only a 2.3 Bigger motors do worse damage. As it is you might get away with bearings and a driveshaft seal. The tooling and process are pretty specific and kinda difficult, impossible without a manual. Most shops would prefer to replace the gear/bearing set. The part that probably siezed comes as a unit and putting the uppers together doesn't take very long as a result. Your gears probably suffered some heat damage. As a mechanic I would feel it was in the best interest of the customer to replace all the innards. That should assure a reliable unit. Once you get gears too hot, the gears get soft. If it were mine, I would just do the bearings and seal. But then I'm a mechanic and I know what to look for as the unit gets back into service. Just the bearings and seal would be more expensive in the long run if things get tore-up.<br /><br />And definately don't feel bad. Our other mechanic did that once as well. I see at least one a year.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

Maybe a trip to Ebay to find a new upper unit ??

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

Originally posted by olbuddyjack:<br /> LakeLivin,<br />

I just recently changed the lower unit lube

uh oh...

seahorse and olbuddyjack, you sure zeroed in on that quickly, lol.<br /><br />jas, heres a link to what obj was referring to: http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=008398 <br /><br />Read the first post at least (the rest of it gets pretty long).<br /><br />A couple suggestions from someone with little expertise, but who had a very similar problem to yours (me):<br /><br />get the OEM service and parts manuals instead of a Clymers or Seloc. More expensive, but well worth it. You can find them on eBay. The place I ordered from had it to me within 2 days (and I ordered it in the afternoon).<br /><br />Read and bookmark the following site. must reading for anyone with a Cobra. http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/index.html <br /><br />If you do need professsional help make darn sure they're familiar with Cobras! Like someone said, unless you're pretty lucky chances are you're gonna need specialized OMC tools for the repair. A non OMC shop is as likely to just put in a comletely rebulit upper as attempt to repair just what's broken. If you're stuck with that option (lets hope not, talking probably $1300 or more just for the rebuilt upper), at least you can save the labor and markup by putting in a rebuilt upper yourself. I found gear & bearing sets for my 4.3L (21:19 ratio) starting from $480 on up on the internet. <br /><br />There's a place in Ontario that will completely rebuild your upper for $1200 plus shipping. Don't know where you live, so don't know how bad shipping would be, but if you don't have a qualified OMC mechanic in your area and can't do it yourself, might be worth giving him a call. He sounded extremely knowledgeable and might be willing to fix just whats wrong for much less.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

jas,<br /><br />Did you by chance notice how much oil came out when you drained your drive the second time? Just curious cause it might shed some light on how the shop slack filled my drive. I originally thought they filled from the bottom fairly quickly, leaving an air pocket, but am now thinking they might have done the same thing you did.

 

[jaschil69]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

I have everything apart. It looks like I will need either the tool to get the pinion nut off from the inside of the down tube or have someone do it for me. Anyone know of any tools available?<br />The was maybe a quart of fluid that came out initially when it was drained. Last time I make this mistake!

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

Heres a link for some tools: <br /> http://www.sterndrive.info/id25.html <br />You might want to think more about KaGee's suggestion once you price everything out.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC 2.3 Locked Up

jas, the site obj links above is the same one I mentioned regarding repair service.<br /><br /> http://www.sterndrive.info/id132.html <br /><br />some info from the above link:<br /><br />222- 22 Upper gear case repair cost to replace bearings, seals, o-rings, shims, gaskets, paint, pressure testing and shipping to Continental USA or Canada $596.00 US Funds. There is a fee for packaging add by paypal when using shopping cart. ( Note includes Loctite aviation gasket sealant and #39630 Gasket kit ) <br /><br />226- 20 Upper gear case repair cost to replace gears, centering cone, bearings, seals, o-rings, shims, gaskets, paint, pressure testing and shipping to Continental USA or Canada $1195.00 US Funds. There is a fee for packaging add by paypal when using shopping cart. ( Note includes Loctite aviation gasket sealant and #39630 gasket kit ) <br /><br />Omc stern drive upper gear cases:<br />Place in 16" x 24" x 9" Box 50 to 56 lbs<br />Pack with solid foam from building centre. Unit can or may be disassembled or one piece.<br />Please make sure there is No Oil in Unit.<br />Please ship UPS 4 to 6 day ground service.<br />Pricing $ 26.00 to $ 66.00 cost in Continental USA .<br />Two Day Delivery is available in most areas. Call for rates UPS 1 (800) 742-5877 <br /><br />I can't personally vouch for them, but I did talk to one of their mechanics and he seemed very knowledgable about this drive. Anyone else on here use T.C. Electroncs to repair your upper unit?