Vacuum testing OMC Upper

[Mahoney]

Quick question, figured I would post it as long as I was reading the forums.<br /><br />I have a vacuum/pressure gauge, and aircompressor. I was just wondering if there were hose barb adapters you have found to fit in the gear lube fill hole in a local hardware store that will allow you to rig up a test? Probably wont even need the aircompressor as the lbs/inch we are talking about are ~5-20.<br /><br />I was going to check after work, but wanted to know what users here have used.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

You need a 3/8 coarse thread to what ever size hose you have.Also a flange and gasket on the 3/8 side to seal against the gearcase.Also use a hand pump so you don't hurt things.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

3/8 coarse thread, gotcha, Ill bring the fill plug in too just in case.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[KaGee]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

I would not exceed 15 lbs of pressure and 8lbs vacuum.

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Actually, I am still looking for an attachment. I was unable to find one with matching threads at Ace Hardware.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Don't tell all my secrets,and I'll try to help.What size barb do you need ?Get it,and solder it to a 3/4 long,3/8 coarse bolt.Drill down thru the middle,add the gasket,and pump/vacuum away.<br /><br />SSSHH<br /><br />DHP

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Thats a little project I contemplated as well, would be worthwhile to have around for sure. I think that is about the only way you can do it without some specialty part. It is apperantly a machine thread with only like 8 treads per inch(not sure how to describe the thread pitch) So plumbing threads do not match.<br /><br />I think what also might work is to get a plastic barb that will barely thread in there, teflon it up good and just work it in the threads with a rubber washer.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

If you go to your dealer,he can sell you a gear oil pump,designed to refill your drive.It has the correct threaded fitting on it.<br /><br />DHP

 

[KaGee]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Originally posted by DHPMARINE:<br /> If you go to your dealer,he can sell you a gear oil pump,designed to refill your drive.It has the correct threaded fitting on it.<br /><br />DHP

Was just gonna say that. Saves the time and trouble when you don't have a drill press. <br /><br />Make sure you buy one with a metal fitting... the plastic ones don't work well for pressure testing.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Originally posted by KaGee:<br />

Originally posted by DHPMARINE:<br /> If you go to your dealer,he can sell you a gear oil pump,designed to refill your drive.It has the correct threaded fitting on it.<br /><br />DHP

Was just gonna say that. Saves the time and trouble when you don't have a drill press. <br /><br />Make sure you buy one with a metal fitting... the plastic ones don't work well for pressure testing.

I'm almost positive I got mine at Wal Mart...

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

This is an original OMC model 14 high profile stringer drive, which I am expecting the threads to be different on this thing than anything out there built for the masses with newer Mercruiser or Volvo drives. But I could be wrong, I am going to keep checking around though!<br /><br />Thanks

 

[KaGee]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

OMC threads are the same on the lower drain plug of the upper case as on the lower case.<br /><br /> LOOK HERE <br /><br />For what we are talking about. Lakelivin has it pegged!

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

I saw that model at West Marine online, I have not looked at it in person, but have any of you found that it can be disasembled/used in a way that allows pressure testing. I would highly doubt they are made to seal in up to 20 lbs of pressure, but again I could be wrong.(and probably am )

 

[KaGee]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Just take off the nipple and disregard the rest. I believe it takes 3/8" ID hose. Just plumb it up to what you have.<br /><br />This what mine looks like...<br /><br />

<br /><br />Oh...one more thing... 20lbs is too much! You risk blowing the seals. 10-12 lbs is fine.

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Vacuum testing OMC Upper

Right on Kagee, thats excatly what I was thinking. That fill kit, a t-barb and some 3/8 hose, and I am all set.<br /><br />Besides having that fill kit around will make those lube changes much less messy.