omc tru-course gear material

[marlinempress]

So the saga of getting this pos to work without flaw continues, but made a huge advancement yesterday! I insallted a pertronix elec. ignition in the '86 5.7L and all my engine troubles virtually went away, runs great. The recurring problem is that the stupid gear that attaches to the upper gearcase side of the steering shaft for the tru-course steering keeps freakin' coming off so I'm stuck without steering. I'd like to just weld it on there to do away with anymore problems of the circlip that holds it on popping off. Since that gear never even needs to come off the shaft even for disassembly I figure it won't hurt anything to weld 'er on there for good. My problem is I have no idea what kinda material it's made out of. Any ideas?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: omc tru-course gear material

Yer right MalinE. I can't think of a reason that gear would ever need to come off by itself. I'm sure it is a stainless alloy. i don't know why a tackweld wouldn't work. Did you try using a stainless circlip?

 

[KaGee]

Re: omc tru-course gear material

Or what about some Locktite 609 or similar. On the clip and gear.

 

[marlinempress]

Re: omc tru-course gear material

Thanks for the reply! I'm not sure if I have tried a stainless steel circlip. I've tried regular steel from like a car parts store, which popped off, and I've also tried one that I think was bronze or brass or something that my omc mechanic gave me, it popped right off too....the last time I "repaired" it I tried to true up the groove where the circlip goes and put a little jb weld, but alas she popped right off again after about an hour in the water. haha luckily I was coasting into the dock when I lost my steering so THIS time I didn't have to be towed unlike many many other times...someday I hope to be able to return the favor. One time I even had to tie 2 ropes to my friends and they swam the 4500 lbs. 23' boat like half a mile back to the harbor! Anyway, I could probably take a grinder to the shaft and make the grooves deep and straight and put a big 'ol clip on there, but....thing is...I don't wannna. I'm tired of tearing that freakin' outdrive apart and just wanna make that steering issue bulletproof.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: omc tru-course gear material

Tack it ME. I don't think it would get too hot to do it in place but I'd ask a welder.