OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

[RogerWilco]

Hey Everyone.<br />I just found this forum and it looks great. It seems that there are a lot of helpful people here ready to give a hand to some boating newbies like me...<br /><br />Okay. I just bought my first boat. It's a 1979 Omega daycruiser 21. It has a 351 engine and an OMC 800 outdrive. It looks and runs great for a 25 year old boat. I love it!<br /><br />The problem I have right now is that the outdrive won't raise up. It raised and lowered fine on saturday morning but when I came in to pull it out the outdrive wouldn't come up. I had a hell of a time trying to figure out what to do (It's a long story so I won't go into it).<br /><br />When I try to raise or lower the outdrive all I hear it the tilt motor spinning freely (whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir). At first it was just clicking when I tried it. After a couple more tries it started sounding like it was freewheeling.<br /><br />Anybody have an idea of what the problem might be and how hard it would be to fix it? As I said, I'm a new boat owner, but I've been around boats all my life. I've just never tried to repair them...<br />I'm supposed to take all my friends out this weekend so I'm hoping it's not a huge ordeal.<br /><br />Thanks a lot.<br />RW

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

I'll bet the tip of the armature shaft is broken. The tip of the shaft is notched and it is not real meaty. It takes two bolts to remove the motor. The bolts are through bolts and hold the endplates of the motor together. It should be easy to remove but get ready to hemmorage when buying a new one. There are some aftermarket motors that are a little less expensive.

 

[DBinSarsfield]

Re: OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

Hi RW,<br />I have a 79 Slick Craft with the same outdrive as you on a GM 305. I have been having a lot of .fun. with my tilt too. If you search this forum, you will find other threads discussing this problem.<br /><br />If your motor turns, one of 4 things can be happening:<br />1. there is a coupler between the motor and the worm gear shaft - you have to undo the motor to get to it - if that breaks, the motor would be free spinning.<br />2. The worm gear is held onto its shaft by a pin. That could be broken.<br />3. There is a clutch in the external housing. If the snap ring that hold the clutch plates under pressure has let go, the clutch could be spinning free. If that is the case, you will be able to lift the drive by hand. <br />4. The gear that fits into the lift crescent could be gone or stripped. All that holds it is a snap ring. Although, this would be unlikely, I can imagine this ring could break with the result that the small gear falls off.<br /><br />From what you describe, I would check the clutch snap ring first. <br />a. Drain the oil - small screw under the housing.<br />b. block the outdrive up to relieve pressure on the small outside gear. <br />c. removethe bolts that hold the crescent-like gear. It will make re-assembly easier too.<br />d. Take the 4 bolts off the cover and gently pry off.<br />You should see the snap ring and if it is outside the groove, be able to move it away from the clutch plates. <br />To remove the clutch, you will need to:<br />a. remove the 3 screws from the outside of the housing a the end of the worm shaft gear.<br />b. to remove, pry the worm gear towards the rear of the housing - ie towards you. A bit of pressure may be needed since it is being held in place by a bushing with an o ring.<br />c. Remove the lift gear snap ring - under the drive - and remove the gear from the end of the clutch shaft.<br />The clutch assembly should be in your hands - ready for you to replace the clutch snap ring.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy.<br /><br />Denis

 

[RogerWilco]

Re: OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses. I'll dig in a bit and see what I can find.<br /><br />Thanks a lot for your time and feedback!<br /><br />-RW

 

[RogerWilco]

Re: OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

Just wanted to thank you guys again for the help.<br /><br />Just an update. It ended up being the tip of the shaft running from the motor to the worm gear. Is there any way to replace just the shaft or will I need to buy a whole new motor? Seems like a waste since the motor seems to be fine and the shaft just hooks into the motor.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC 800 tilt problems. How hard to fix?

Da hole 9 yards, RW. Look hard on the internet. I've seen them for one fifty. I think they are well over two at the dealer.