Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

[boatgrunt]

I have a 1989 OMC sterndrive powered by a GM V6 4.3L engine. The OMC shop manual says to pull the vertical drive to perform routine/yearly maintenance, so I guess I'll be pulling it. Does anyone know how much the vertical drive for my engine/drive would weigh? I don't have any special equipment, so I would have to remove the drive by hand - is this possible/adviseable. Any other tips welcome.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

Total outdrive with oil weighs 110 lbs.<br /><br />I remove mine every year and stor it in my basement (built a little wooden stand to stor it on).<br />check out http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012682#000001 <br /><br />Stop at the removal part...you shouldn't need to separate upper and lower .<br /><br />Where are you located in Boston? I may be able to give you a hand if want.<br /><br />Shoot me an email at justmrwill at yahoo.com<br /><br />-JMW

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

Really depends on how strong or healthy you are...<br /><br />I do mine alone all the time without any equipment, but I don't necessarily recommed that for a first timer who doesn't really have a "feel" for the balance of this very awkward thing, unless you are quite strong and have a real good back and the confidence you can catch it before it hits the ground. A second person makes life MUCH easier and may prevent a hernia.

 

[boatgrunt]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

I'm in pretty good shape but I'll probably have my neighbor there at least just in case (if not JustMrWill too - HA!!).

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

Taking it off shouldn't be too bad, but putting it back on may be another story. Have heard horror stories from people struggling to hold it while getting the shaft aligned, the u-joints through the bellows, etc. <br /><br />If you're interested, see the following thread about home built drive stands from scrap 2x4's. Makes it extremely easy to pull and replace my 4.3L cobra by myself using my homebuilt stand.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=24&t=011664#000011

 

[boatgrunt]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

Dam this site motivates me

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Remove Vertical Drive for Routine Maintenance?

If you go for Don S design (the one I made) make the front alittle higher than the back...with them level..drive wants to fall forward.<br /><br />-JMW