OMC Out Drive drops

A

Anthony E

Recruit
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
2
I have a 1985 Bayliner Capri Cuddy with a 5.0 engine. When I touch the outdrive switch down it goes all the way down kinda fast. I can bring it up a little at a time or all the way . What are some possible issues that I can look for to fix this or is it normal? It is an OMC out drive I believe.
 
K

koolhandluke

Cadet
Joined
Aug 9, 2010
Messages
7
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

I am assuming your 1985 Bayliner is equipped with its' original 800/stringer outdrive. As mentioned in a recent post, you should lower the drive in 3 or so 'steps' until it seats so that it makes a softer landing. You can damage things if you let that 80lb drive free fall into the intermediate housing.
 
F

Free?Boat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
33
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

Anthony E, does your drive keep going down all the way after you release the switch? My 72 electric shift does that as well, I just engage the switch for a fraction of a second and the drive goes all the way down. I have been wondering myself if that is OK.
 
southkogs

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
15,109
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

Free?Boat said:
...does your drive keep going down all the way after you release the switch? ... I have been wondering myself if that is OK.
Click to expand...
No. It may continue down for a just a little bit, but one "bump" of the switch shouldn't take it all the way down (on mine it's about 3 "bumps"). "Switch and hold" and yes, the drive will go all the way down pretty quickly.
 
F

Free?Boat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
33
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

Thanks southkogs, I just do a quick bump on the switch and the drive settles in fully down. Would that be the clutch pack slipping? The drive comes up fine with no problems or slipping. I hope this is not really highjacking the OP as we are discussing the same problem. If it is a problem with the clutch pack is there a way to fix that?
 
southkogs

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
15,109
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

Free?Boat said:
Thanks southkogs, I just do a quick bump on the switch and the drive settles in fully down. Would that be the clutch pack slipping? The drive comes up fine with no problems or slipping. I hope this is not really highjacking the OP as we are discussing the same problem. If it is a problem with the clutch pack is there a way to fix that?
Click to expand...
Clutch pack would be my first place to investigate, and I'd start by checking the lube and making sure it wasn't all gunked up. As far are actually cracking into it, I'm not sure ... I've not had to open mine up yet and am not an expert by any means.

I would suggest a new thread. There are a couple of guys who'll jump on it and give you some great advice, and then as you go along they can help point you in the right direction. That'll give you more information and avoid a complete hijack ;)
 
A

Anthony E

Recruit
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
2
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

southkogs said:
No. It may continue down for a just a little bit, but one "bump" of the switch shouldn't take it all the way down (on mine it's about 3 "bumps"). "Switch and hold" and yes, the drive will go all the way down pretty quickly.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help I will try just bumping the switch. I know if I toggle it down and let off the drive will go all the way down but I have not tried bumping it.
 
NW Redneck

NW Redneck

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
643
Re: OMC Out Drive drops

Definitely 'bump' it down in steps. If it slams down too hard you can blow the worm gear & shaft right out the back of the housing and into the drink! If it goes all the way down with just 1 quick bump I would definitely check the clutch pack. If it has contaminated oil/water in the clutch housing the clutch disks will slip too easily. Take the clutch pack out and separate all the disks and clean them real good with brake cleaner. Immerse them in motor oil overnight and then re-assemble. Put new o-ring seal and shims on the cover and fill 'er up with fresh oil and you're good to go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top