Or they finally got smart and bought a Mercruiser/Volvo/outboard anything but OMC
OMC was way behind on their engineering and seemed to have trouble with anything new
they decided to make.
The drives have never been the best
IF?? you have one after all these years??
You got a good one. Keep the oil clean and greased and it will be around for a long time.
In 86 working for a OMC/ Volvo dealer.
Saw test results comparing all 3 OMC, Volvo and Mercruiser
They hooked up identical 350 motors to their respective drives.
They started the motors.
The OMC (stringer) broke after 50 hrs. The Mercruiser broke after 250 hrs.
They ended up turning the Volvo off after 2000 hrs Didn't break.