This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
So you have a stringer out drive that won't tilt up, or it tilts up very slowly, or you need to help it up physically. Maybe it doesn't move at all.

Here is a step bye step guide to fixing it. A manual would be very helpful.

1- A fully charged battery is imperative.

2- Disconnect the battery and clean the battery posts. Are the cables good?

3- With the battery disconnected, clean all the connections on the port side, solenoids. Don't forget the grounds.

4- Clean connections to tilt motor. Two wires.

5- Connect the battery.

6- On the out drive port side, there is a clutch housing. Four screws hold on
cover. Pull that cover. May be full of water. They all leak.

Two things you can do at this time.

A- Clean out the housing with clutch installed.

B- Remove the clutch and rebuild the housing. New seals.

If you chose A, Spray the clutch with brake cleaner. Make sure it's as clean as you can get it. You might have to spray it a few times. Blow it dry. Spray the the clutch with penetrating oil. Pack the housing with grease, and install cover. Don't over tighten the screws, can bind the clutch.

If you chose B, remove all the components of the gear housing. Soak everything in Acetone overnight. Rebuild housing, new seals. Blow dry the parts, soak them all in motor oil for a hour or two. Install parts. Pack the housing with grease. I know it calls for 30 weight motor oil. Trust me pack it with grease. Install cover.

7- Gently pry off the rubber bumpers. Don't mix them up, pump grease in the zerks. Install bumpers.

At this point the drive should move up and down easy. If it doesn't, you need to pull the tilt motor. Test motor and replace or rebuild. Make sure the hammer blow coupler is good or replace. Don't forget the gasket, on the tilt motor. .

Good luck!
 
Last edited:

DancingPaul

Recruit
Joined
Jul 31, 2008
Messages
5
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

I am having kind of the opposite problem and wonder if you'd be of help.

I replaced the trim motor on my 1968 omc sterndrive. goes up and down ok, but i am on a shallow channel and have to trim about 80-90% up to get through. (prop is almost out of the water) The problem is, I can only go at VERY slow throttle with the trim up. If i give it just a touch past a certain (very slow) point, the drive slams all the way down.

Is there a problem with the clutch mechanism? I have taken it apart and replaced the seals, etc. but not added grease, just oil.

It seems to go up and down fine, but just a little too much throttle, and SLAM. than i have to get out and work my skeg out of the mud.

ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks. Paul
 

Lyndy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
437
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

Paul,

Best if you post a new thread. More folks are likely to see and respond to it.
 

WizeOne

Commander
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
2,097
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

I am having kind of the opposite problem and wonder if you'd be of help.

I replaced the trim motor on my 1968 omc sterndrive. goes up and down ok, but i am on a shallow channel and have to trim about 80-90% up to get through. (prop is almost out of the water) The problem is, I can only go at VERY slow throttle with the trim up. If i give it just a touch past a certain (very slow) point, the drive slams all the way down.

Is there a problem with the clutch mechanism? I have taken it apart and replaced the seals, etc. but not added grease, just oil.

It seems to go up and down fine, but just a little too much throttle, and SLAM. than i have to get out and work my skeg out of the mud.

ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks. Paul

Find a new place to drive/store your boat. You are going to kill the outdrive and intermediate driveshaft bearings and housing (not to mention the ball gears) driving it at any speed at that elevation.

You should NEVER run with the outdrive more than 10 or 15% up and that only at very slow speeds to get out of shallow water. If you need to raise it any higher, you are driving your boat where it was never meant to go.

Don't heed my advice? Hey, it's your boat, your $$$$'s (guaranteed) and your headache.
 

WizeOne

Commander
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
2,097
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

....With the outdrive up, there is a hole halfway up the front-side of the drive. Inside that hole is a zerk fitting.....

ca, what years had this and what does it grease? Also, why do you give the location with the outdrive 'up'?
 

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

Your right has nothing to do with the tilt, it's to grease the exhaust housing.

I'm going to delete that.

I beleive 1979-1986 stringer models.
 

WizeOne

Commander
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
2,097
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

Your right has nothing to do with the tilt, it's to grease the exhaust housing.

I'm going to delete that.

I beleive 1979-1986 stringer models.

I'm wondering if it is only on the full mech versions? I have an Hyd-Mech version, circa 1980 and there is nothing on the rear spine of the O/D leg.
 

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

Hmmm that is interesting. Have it on mine. I thought was 80-86. I have the one of the last stringers cause mine is a 86'.

Wait a sec. yours could be a 1979 not unheard of to get a year behind motor and out drive before the actual date of the boat.

My out drive is actually a 85'. Cobra came out in 86'. But my boat is a 86'.
 

WizeOne

Commander
Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
2,097
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

Hmmm that is interesting. Have it on mine. I thought was 80-86. I have the one of the last stringers cause mine is a 86'.

Wait a sec. yours could be a 1979 not unheard of to get a year behind motor and out drive before the actual date of the boat.

My out drive is actually a 85'. Cobra came out in 86'. But my boat is a 86'.

I'm sure mine is a '79 hydro-mech unit. It replaced a troublesome electric shift unit in early 80, so it was a part shelf drive. Yours is undoubtedly a full mechanical drive and they did not happen until, what, midyear 80/81?
 

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

I know 83' was full mech. not sure without looking in the book if 82' or 81' was.

No matter what were a dieing breed.
 

Lyndy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
437
Re: This is how to fix stringer tilt problems!

ca, what years had this and what does it grease? Also, why do you give the location with the outdrive 'up'?

I have a 1974 High Profile with two zirk fittings. There is a red plastic plug that covers the hole on the exhaust housing. Had to replace mine when I got the boat be cause it was melted. The zirk fitting(s) are mounted on the Swivel Bearing Assemby where the upper and lower units join.
 
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