I checked out a used boat today: 3.0 OMC Question

ck85abc3 · #1 May 25th, 2007, 01:48 AM

I looked at a 87 bayliner 18 foot today and have a question.

They started the motor with muffs on and put it in forward and reverse, but had to work it into gear. WHile working it into gear there was some light grinding. Is this a sign the outdrive is going to go out or can it be fixed with adjustments?

Thanks

superpop · #2 May 25th, 2007, 02:06 AM

depends on the drive, I have a volvo drive and if you casually and slowly try to put it into gear it will grind. If you shift with authority and do it quick it should simply thud a little bit but not make much noise. It also sounds different out of the water vs in the water. out of the water mine just sounds like a blender starting up but I do get a bit of the thud when I am in the water. Also I have heard that the OMC drives were hard to get parts for and find service techs that would work on them. I would really research this drive before buying something you are going to regret.

Scaaty · #3 May 25th, 2007, 02:52 AM

An OMC O/D on a Bayliner? Run, Forrest, RUN

ck85abc3 · #4 May 25th, 2007, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scaaty

An OMC O/D on a Bayliner? Run, Forrest, RUN

That's what I thought. I figured a 3.0 bayliner would have a mercruiser.

RubberFrog · #5 May 25th, 2007, 07:33 AM

It sounds like the shift cable is out of adjustment. Those can be tricky to get adjusted right and not many mechanics know how to work on OMC anymore.

I had a 3.0 OMC and it was a HUGE moneypit. I would not even consider owning another if it was free.

andy1canada · #6 May 25th, 2007, 10:46 AM

Howdy CK!

I'm with Scat on this one.

Before you've dropped a nickle on this boat, you've already got 'two-strikes' against you:

1) Bayliner!
2) OMC!

3) Your outta' there Buddy! Disgusted... dicharged yourself from the power-boat fraternity after buying that damned 'Bilgeliner'... that proverbial 'hole-in-the-water'...

'God... what was I thinkin'?'