OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

[MFG 3.8 OMC 800]

Recently, I purchased a 1980 MFG 19' bowrider with a 3.8 V6 and a 800 Stringer outdrive. I'm new to boating. Right after purchase, I had to have new ball gears installed and some new bearings and seals so they are all fresh and I know not to run the boat any higher than idle with the outdrive up to a max of 15%. My problem now is that the tilt and trim are not working. All I'm getting is a click noise at the solenoids(it has 4) What steps do I need to take in what order? If need be, I'll return it to my mechanic in Port Perry. He is excellent but very very busy. Can you help? By the way, this is a wonderful forum and I have learned some already by reading other postings so thank you.

 

[Boatist]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

First step is to get a OMC manual. The Tilt and the Trim are two seperate circuits. The only thing I can think of that is common is the 50 amp fuse on the Starboard side of the engine near the started. There are 2 50 amp fuses each in what looks like a big connector. One of the 50 amp fuses supplies power to both the tilt motor and the trim motor. The Pick circuit for the solenoids runs off the other fuse. 2 solenoids for tilt and 2 for trim. With your hand ears and a meter your can check the solenoids. One for up and one for down in the tilt and trim. If you can here and feel it click then then meter the input 12 volts and the output 12 volts of the one that picks. Then try the other direction and do the same thing. If you have no input 12 volts then the problem is the fuse. If you have the input 12 volts and feel the solenoid click and no output then the selenoid is bad. Check both for the tilt and both for the trim.

The problem can also be mechanical. The out drive pivot pins need grease and every 10 years or so should be removed clean and completely re greased.
The Tilt clutch can be froze up and have water in it instead of motor oil.

Trim motor also has a grease fitting and the shaft at the front of the motor should be greased.

Hope it the fuse as that is quick and easy.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

"Tilt" and "trim" are two different systems.

The "Tilt" raises and lowers the drive. Do a forum search for OMC TILT and you will find a group of posts that address your problem.

"Trim" adjusts the engine's angle, in your case (if the boat has "Selectrim")via hydraulic rams on your front motor mounts (there is no grease fitting ), Trim corrects the attitude of the bow and get the boat properly on plane.

Tilt is the up & down switch on the dash. Trim is the red up & down switch on the throttle.

You say Tilt will not raise or lower the drive... you most likely have an electrical problem in the circuit.

 

[aerwin]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

what ever you do, Do not run the engine with the outdrive in any position except in the total down posiyion. thats why you had to replace ball gears, the previus owner probly said to run at 15 deg, even at idle, they will wear prematurely

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

Good area to own a stringer drive- there is no big bias against the old OMC stringers amongst mechanics here in the Kawarthas like there is in other areas.

 

[MFG 3.8 OMC 800]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

Thanks so much all of you for your quick reply.
I have managed to narrow it down. I actually had two problems at the same time. One of the 50 amp fuses was blown which was the cause of the trim not working. I managed to get my hands on a couple of new 50amp buss fuses yesterday and replaced it so the trim is now working fine but the tilt still is not. I finally located the tilt motor and noticed it had some marks on the top of it like someone had been tapping it with a hammer so I tried the same and it started working but only for a short time. Bottom line is that I need to replace the tilt motor but I can only get at the top bolt. Is there a second bolt that I can't see or does the whole outdrive need to be removed to access the tilt motor well enough for replacement?

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

Yes, there is a second bolt. I basically had to "feel" for it with an long extension and a 9/16th's socket. Or you can go to the trouble of removing the transom boot and accessing the bolt through the transom opening.

Either way it is a PITA!

 

[greentahoe]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

It will take some trial and error, but you can reach the bottom bolt without taking anything else off. I did it on mine. Having a magnetic wand to pick up the socket and or bolt that you will likely drop in the bilge will help.

 

[wire2]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

The 2nd bolt is 180? around the motor, also a 9/16" hex head. You may be able to get to it with a socket and extension.
If tapping on it makes it work temporarily, chances are the brushes are worn down. If the commutator is still healthy, a pair of new brushes will get you going for quite a while. Take it to an auto electric shop, (starter/alternator repair).

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

I bought the ARCO replacement. Works in the driveway. Have yet to get it out in the water. $#%@^ NE WINDS!

 

[MFG 3.8 OMC 800]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

Thanks everyone. What a great site this is! I feel confident enough to attempt the tilt motor replacement myself and have seen them online for around $200. I do have a magnetic pole to pick up the bolts etc. that I will no doubt drop. Hopefully I can get 'er done this week and be back out on Scugog next weekend. It is a good solid boat and the engine runs like new. Cosmetically, the boat looks very good and the upholstery is in good shape. Any idea where to look for cosmetic parts though? It could use a new horn and a few other little things. It came with a brand new tonneau cover but no bimini top or anything. Anyone know of a boat wreckers in Ontario? Thanks again and I hope everyone is having a good weekend......Cheers!

 

[wire2]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

Princess Auto has high/low horns for very cheap, ~$13, I think.

 

[MFG 3.8 OMC 800]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

O.K. ....I managed to get my hands on a new tilt motor and a new gasket and seal kit as I was told the problem was probably caused by water getting in to the tilt motor. I'm doing the replacement tomorrow. My question now is what kind of oil do I use in the tilt worm gear housing? I will have to drain the housing to inspect the gears and install new seals but I forgot to ask what kind of oil do I use when the job is finished. If all goes well, I'm going for a nice boat ride on Sunday.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: OMC Stringer Outdrive tilt/trim

use 30wt motor oil in the tilt case.