old OMC outdrive help

[JasonCarp]

Looking for a bit of advice or a second opinion perhaps. I've got a '78 OMC outdrive on my 25' Tiara. Started making a clatter the other day when under load. Service guy at the marina still hasn't had a chance to look at it. But thinks it might be a bearing? I've found a place on-line where I can get a re-built outdrive, but its spendy. (Just in case the whole thing is shot) Does anyone out there have a source for something like this, or know someone who can re-build them over the winter? If I can get by until the end of Sept. witha minimal repair I'd be willing to have someone take a run at over the winter months. I'm guessing the marina service department isn't going to be my cheapest route even for installing the re-built outdrive I can buy on line.

[DangerDan]

Hildebrand Marine
298 S Fremont Rd
Coldwater, MI
49036
Phone: (517) 238-2828

Not to many shops work on the old OMCs anymore. Those that have someone who can won't due to parts being so hard to come by. This place knows the old OMCs better than anyone I've found for the southern portion of the state and usually has the parts on hand. Turn around is quick and I think theyre shop rates to performance ratio is outstanding. They won't sell you a bill of goods. If you dont need a new O/D they'll tell you and fix whats needed. I give em a 10...:)

Just a tip, those old stringers are practically friggin bullet proof!

[jpollman]

I'm by no means an expert. But when you say that it's making a clatter under load to me it sounds like it could be just a U-joint which isn't too expensive to fix.

Good luck!

John

[Midway97]

I have a stringer on my '79 Islander that I had a local marine dealer go through a couple years ago. Cost me about $800. they replaced all the seals, bearings and water puimp. If your is like mine it doesn't have a u-joint, instead it has a "ball gear" drive. I'm told not to run the drive with it raised more than about 15 degrees or it will make a heck of a racket and tear up the drive unit.
If I remember correctly, they said the most common problem was in a spline coupling between the upper/lower unit (I think), parts are available but like you said "spendy"

[Fishmaster196]

If it is the outdrive and you end up needing parts or a complete new(used) one, try Checker Marine. 734-243-2683. Get the parts from them and have someone rebuild it. I have dual stringer outdrives and Checker by far is the best source I've found for parts. I've never had them do any service but their part selection is great. If you end up needing the whole new drive they rated me $1600. If its just the upper or lower, $800.

Whatever you do, do not take it to Damark Marine.

[JasonCarp]

Thanks for all the great advice. I should know more today as the exact problem. I'll keep you posted. Being new to the sport of dumping money into this thing, I appreciate all the candid thoughts.

Jason