omc stinger clunk

[leojr]

Hello, New guy here. I have been reading the forums now for a couple weeks. Since i just purchased my first boat, a 1984 Blue Water with a omc 3.0 and omc stinger out drive and i have found a lot of useful information so far. Thank you. I just replaced the engine because the person i purchased it from had jb welded and hidden 2 large cracks in the block. engine ran fantastic but leaked like a sieve. The issue we are having is when driving the boat intermittently it will fill like we have ran over a log and hit something with the prop and there is an audible clunk that can be heard and felt. This has happened every time i have taken it out with the old and new engine. If i have missed a thread or post on this I apologize in advance any help or a push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scott Danforth]

First, why did you buy an OMG stringer? there are better boats for less money with better support.

OMC went out of business over 2 decades ago, and the stringer was obsolete in 1983 when the design of the cobra was in process.

my guess, you have an ignition issue and are actually experiencing a backfire or sneeze

however if the drive hasnt been split, split it now, inspect the splines of the 3-piece vertical drive shaft. if they have not been replaced yet, plan on a replacement. those splines will strip out at least once in a stringer's life

replace the raw water pump

be careful of the $750 lower shift cable. it is easily damaged

how are your ball gears?

 

[leojr]

Got what I thought was an awesome deal on a clean boat. I was ignorant about the omc stinger. Definitely not an ignition issue but will definitely check the splines. I have a complete spare lower unit too. Thanks for the help

 

[southkogs]

Just for clarity - A Stinger is an outboard (OMC/Johnson). The stern drive you have is a Stringer (named so because it's not mounted to the transom of your boat like a newer stern drive. It's mounted to your boats stringers and transfers power there.)

Welcome aboard.

 

[kenny nunez]

There is a good possibility that the dogs in the lower gear housing are not holding. The shift adjustment was probably not correct at one time. Once the clutch dogs slip the damage is done. The 400 model you have did not have as much trouble as the larger 800 series. The shaft splines that Scott mentioned are probably in need of replacement as well.
Try this, start the engine on a flush out then shift it in forward. Stop the engine and disconnect the shift cable on the Lever of converter box behind the engine and see if you can move the lever further in the forward position. If you can, adjust the cable to line up with the lever.