OMC Stringer leaking water

[JIM MCCARTHY]

I recently purchased a 1986 Marlin with an OMC 400 Stringer drive. I have now discovered that the drive is leaking water in all three sections. The lower, upper and intermediate drive all have water in them. Fortunately, it's not all water, but I have my winter project pretty well established at this point. My question is: Is there a connection among the leaks, or it just bad luck x 3. I fail to see any connection, but would appreciate any thoughts.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stringer leaking water

All three sections are separate. There is no connection between the leaks other than age. Seals only last so long. I resealed my 800 over the winter two years ago. Makes for a good time killer, yet keeping you attached to your baby. I pulled the drive and the intermediate off and took it to the basement.

Advice... try getting a OMC service manual.
Take your time removing the bolts. Use heat and PB Blaster on stubborn bolts.
Make sure you have an extra set of hands removing the shift cable through the intermediate. one pushes while one pulls. Use penetrating oil to loosen corrosion in the hole if present.
Seal kits are available for the intermediate, upper. lower and tilt gear box. Buy all 4.
Mark the ball gears so you can align them back properly when hanging the drive back on.
If the ball gears are about half worn, replace them. They have to come off anyway to replace the drive shaft seals on the intermediate and upper housings.
Install a new water pump kit upon reassembly.
The main cause of leak in the upper unit is a worn bushing in the steering shaft. That is not included in the seal kit. Buy one... not that expensive.
You can re-use the shaft seal housing shims if you are careful not to tear on dissassembly.

Check back anytime for more assistance, I know you'll need it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC Stringer leaking water

Also if your looking for a original manual check out a guy on ebay called searayman13...
he has all kinds of like new original omc manuals.
You can email him your serial numbers and get the correct book.
I usually don't buy much on ebay but this seller was great.
get the book..you'll need it!

 

[JIM MCCARTHY]

Re: OMC Stringer leaking water

Thank you for the insight. I have the Clymers manual. Would you recommend i get the OMC manual instead? Frankly I'm not that impressed with the Clymer manual, but no sense getting another one if there's no improvement.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stringer leaking water

Yes, the OEM manual is the only way to go. Much more precise detail for the year of your drive.