Hi All Sailors,
I’m a sailor in the Chicagoland area seeking a marine mechanic to service my 1979 OMC Zephyr Sail Drive (model 15S10S, 15 HP, 2-stroke) on my O’Day 25. I’m based in Wilmette Harbor and need help with a water leak in the engine. When I start the engine, water leaks into the engine compartment between the upper and lower manifold. I suspect a failed gasket or cracked manifold, but I need a professional to diagnose and fix it.
I know OMC Sail Drives are tough to service due to parts scarcity, but this engine shares components with Johnson/Evinrude 20/25/30 HP outboards. I can source parts from Crowley Marine or Marine Engine if needed. I also have an outfit in Canada who has OMC saildrive parts.
Does anyone know a reliable mechanic in the Chicago area (or nearby, e.g., Waukegan or Kenosha) familiar with OMC Sail Drives or similar engines? I’d love recommendations for shops or individuals, especially those who’ve worked on these older inboards. If you’ve dealt with manifold leaks on an OMC, any tips on repairs or parts sources would be great.
Thanks for any leads! Please share contact info for recommended mechanics if you have it.
Details: Boat: O’Day 25 Location: Wilmette Harbor - boat is trailerable so we can bring it to the shop anywhere in the Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, or north western Indiana Engine: 1979 OMC Zephyr Sail Drive 15S10S (15 HP, 2-stroke)
I’m a sailor in the Chicagoland area seeking a marine mechanic to service my 1979 OMC Zephyr Sail Drive (model 15S10S, 15 HP, 2-stroke) on my O’Day 25. I’m based in Wilmette Harbor and need help with a water leak in the engine. When I start the engine, water leaks into the engine compartment between the upper and lower manifold. I suspect a failed gasket or cracked manifold, but I need a professional to diagnose and fix it.
I know OMC Sail Drives are tough to service due to parts scarcity, but this engine shares components with Johnson/Evinrude 20/25/30 HP outboards. I can source parts from Crowley Marine or Marine Engine if needed. I also have an outfit in Canada who has OMC saildrive parts.
Does anyone know a reliable mechanic in the Chicago area (or nearby, e.g., Waukegan or Kenosha) familiar with OMC Sail Drives or similar engines? I’d love recommendations for shops or individuals, especially those who’ve worked on these older inboards. If you’ve dealt with manifold leaks on an OMC, any tips on repairs or parts sources would be great.
Thanks for any leads! Please share contact info for recommended mechanics if you have it.
Details: Boat: O’Day 25 Location: Wilmette Harbor - boat is trailerable so we can bring it to the shop anywhere in the Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, or north western Indiana Engine: 1979 OMC Zephyr Sail Drive 15S10S (15 HP, 2-stroke)