"Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

[hcwiii]

Hey folks,

I've got a '74 electric-shift Stringer outdrive, and I'm trying to get to the forward-gear clutch-spring to replace it.

I see in the manual that I'll need a 'special tool' to grab the splines of the drive shaft and turn it, while holding the lower pinion-gear nut, in order to remove the pinion gear, so I can pull the forward gear and spring assembly out of the case.

Has anyone any suggestions for alternatives to this tool? Or is it something I should be able to find cheap someplace?

Thanks for any help...

 

[hcwiii]

Re: "Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

After searching a bit for the special tool's part number, I see now that it (a socket) isn't too expensive, @ $35 --- if only I could find someone who stocks it...

Anyone know a good source for OMC 'special tools'?

I've seen other's posts about the same subject where they suggested a soft jawed vice or even a pipe wrench.

Wouldn't the scratches / digs that the pipe-wrench would introduce to the drive-shaft create weak spots, or stress areas, in the steel that might cause it to break?

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: "Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

If you have the part # of the tool, you can get it through your local JohnnyRude dealer or ishopmarine.com

 

[hcwiii]

Re: "Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

Thanks,

I didn't know about ishopmarine. They're also in 'my neck of the woods', so shipping should be quick.

There may be hope yet, getting this in the water before December...

Thanks again BoatBuoy.

--
Chan

 

[rowlex]

Re: "Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

I went to harbor freight and purchased two channel locks that fit the groove of the upper drive shaft the best. I put some double sided tape on the splines to try to protect them. Broke it loose no problem and no damage to the splines! 8$!

 

[hcwiii]

Re: "Special tool" to hold drive shaft - '74 OMC Stringer

hey Rowlex, if only I could be like you! I ordered the socket - it's definitely the most expensive socket I ever bought.

Ya know, it's people like me that perpetuate the reputation of boats being cash sinkholes.

I'll probably use your method, or one like it, to remove the nut tomorrow, but I'll be glad to have the socket to torque the new nut back on.

If anyone needs to use it when I'm done, lemme know. I certainly hope I don't have a need for it again in the life of this drive unit!