OMC Stern drive

J

JoeMurphy

Recruit
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
4
I could use a little advice. I am considering purchasing a 1976 17'Glassmaster bow rider with a 190hp OMC. The boat is near mint condition and the motor purrs like a kitten. I have encountered one problem. I have no reverse. The boat has electric shift. Forward works great. Is there any way to determine if the problem is somewhere in the electrical system or inside the stern drive? Also, if the problem is in the stern drive which I have been told is somewhat costly to repair. Will driving the boat with out reverse have any adverse affect on the stern drive. I live on the water and rarely, if ever use reverse anyway. Thanks.
 
D

DougK

Cadet
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
10
Re: OMC Stern drive

Well Joe I have an 1977 OMc out drive and I have the book on it If you want I can send you some of the out drive info over the net I have a scanner just let me know and it'll be on its way
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: OMC Stern drive

The bad news is that the electric shift OMC outdrive was not a good idea and OMC stuck with it way longer than they should have. There are still a lot of them running around however, many not having problems.<br /><br />I had one that kept breaking the forward clutch spring and they could never figure it out. <br /><br />The better news is that the later cable shift outdrive bolts right up to your intermediate housing. Some here will tell you that even that one is a POS. I don't agree with that. I converted my '75 right after they became available and have had no troubles in 24 years. Point is, don't spend much money on the one you have. If you want to keep the boat, keep your eye out for a model 800 cable shift. You will need to get all of the shift lever and cables as well.
 
M

mercrewser

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 4, 2003
Messages
367
Re: OMC Stern drive

If your considering buying that boat you have to understand that drive is a headache. It would be extremely irresponsible and border on reckless to operate any boat without reverse. I would think your insurance co would be more than a little miffed if you hit someones boat and you didnt have reverse. I wouldnt tie up next to me either, I could get a little upset if you hit me. Anybody else have oppinions on this?
 
J

JoeMurphy

Recruit
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
4
Re: OMC Stern drive

James,<br />I agree, to operate the boat in many situations would be irresponsible. I do plan on repairing the boat, but am curious if runing the boat as is will cause any further damage. <br />Boomyal,<br />Thanks for the info on the 800 cable shift. I'll keep my eyes open.
 
Lou C

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,237
Re: OMC Stern drive

I would advise that you call around and see if you can even find someone to work on it, many shops will not work on OMC stringers at all. Some will not even work on the newer Cobras. Then you have to check if most parts are still available. <br />The biggest issue with an old boat is wood rot in the stringers, and transom. Definetly check for that. Finally realize the the resale value of an OMC equipped boat is nowhere near as good as one with a Merc or Volvo.
 
J

JoeMurphy

Recruit
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
4
Re: OMC Stern drive

Lou C<br />I already found a mechanic that works on them. A complete rebuild should be around $1500-$1700. I have went completely through the boat. It was garage kept most of it's life and to the best of my knowledge has never seen salt water.<br />As far as resale. I am giving nearly nothing for the boat.
 
W

whiteknight

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 11, 2003
Messages
41
Re: OMC Stern drive

Joe i have stringer,has been headache upperhousing<br />went boom second trip out found a guy who put in good used gears for 800$ lower unit leaked water in it bad, i fixed that myself not to bad to work on.its now doing pretty good.If you keep up on the oil and seals you will be fine(they have quite a few seals)DONT OVER FILL UPPERCASE WITH OIL.if its next to nothing get it, when it goes boom get an outboard.I do believe they are ok if you keep your eyes open for leaks in drives.<br />My 2 cents
 
Boomyal

Boomyal

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
12,072
Re: OMC Stern drive

F'joe, it won't hurt to run the outdrive without reverse, just not too smart. It may be a simple fix, in which case you should do it. Just don't spend that kind of money on a rebuild. Find that 800 cable shift. Also do not run your motor with the outdrive partially up. The tilt is just that. It is not a trim system.
 
Walt T

Walt T

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
1,369
Re: OMC Stern drive

I would not buy that boat. Surely you can find another that wont give you the headaches.
 
J

jdmjr2002

Cadet
Joined
Oct 1, 2009
Messages
12
Re: OMC Stern drive

DougK said:
Well Joe I have an 1977 OMc out drive and I have the book on it If you want I can send you some of the out drive info over the net I have a scanner just let me know and it'll be on its way
Click to expand...

DOUG K. You might be my life saver. I have a 1977 Galaxie with an OMC Stern Drive and I have a knocking noise. Any way to get a copy? I will have to tear up the drive and search. Let me know or if you know where I could find a book. sgtqball@hotmail.com

Jorge
 
Howard Sterndrive

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: OMC Stern drive

Doug K. hasn't visited iboats in over 5 years....
this is a 2003 thread.

the seloc omc manual is available for download if you go to the adult's only thread at the top of this forum.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top