omc transom seal

[moeMC]

hello al ,new to this forum ,posted a quetion on another forum only got one reply...wanted more input if possible. "1980 Renken" 18 ft bow rider 140hp 400 omc stringer ...can the large transom seal be changed without dropping the outdrive also.. had tilt clutches replaced this summer while on vacation mechanic said regular 80/90wt gear oil was ok for the outdruver? what do ya think???

 

[Fishermark]

Re: omc transom seal

My brother has an OMC stringer drive and we changed the big rubber seal without dropping the outdrive. I think if I had to do it again I would pull the drive - that's been about 10 years ago - so my memory's a little fuzzy on the details. I just remember not having to drop the drive.

 

[moeMC]

Re: omc transom seal

great thanks fishermark , my first boat so I am a little intimidated by all the parts in the drive . all the things I've read about the OMC's less is better as far as if it's working ..Don't f+*^ with it !! I am former mechanic on heavy equipment and over the road trucks , but all the parts in the manuals exploded pics scares the heck out of me .

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: omc transom seal

I replaced mine without pulling the outdrive. A little tricky but not too bad. Be VERRY careful not to nick or tear the sealing surface around the drive. I put 2 layers of duct tape around the inside of the opening to protect it while wiggling over the drive and pulled it off before I slipped it into it's groove. Also make sure you have it aligned the right way. Should have 'TOP' marked on the boot.

I know how you feel. Those diagrams of the outdrive scare me too!

 

[JIM MCCARTHY]

Re: omc transom seal

I'm going to have to replace my transom seal also, and have decided to try doing it without removing the outdrive. I'm more concerned about getting into trouble with that $300 shift cable that you evidently can't get anyhow than I am about the seal. Even if I ruin the seal and have to buy another one, I can get the seal. I read one post that suggested liberal use of soap and water when slipping the seal over the outdrive. Sounds logical to me.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: omc transom seal

I replaced mine w/out dropping the drive, was,nt bad at all..

 

[moeMC]

Re: omc transom seal

cool...o glad to hear it thanks all appreciate the input

 

[Boatist]

Re: omc transom seal

Wife and I changed ours on a 1980 140 OMC. Took about 2.5 hours but was very easy. Took the old one off over the drive and it streached with out cracking or tearing even thou it was 15 years old. New one went on very easy.

Really the only hard part was all the sealer making sure had a good coating all the way around and all the bolt holes. Pretty messy job and most of the time spent in cleaning up the extra.

 

[moeMC]

Re: omc transom seal

thanks boatist , second question ... what oil do you use in your outdrive ?

 

[fendersfender]

Re: omc transom seal

Dont know about boatist, but I use the OMC hi-vis in my 800 series.

 

[Boatist]

Re: omc transom seal

I use the OMC Ultra HPF gearcase lube. It is senthetic but pricey. The difference in price is about double but is suppose to be a great oil. Before OMC went under factory rep said would protect even with 15 percent water. I get it in the gallon Jug.