cowlflower gears/finger gears on 77 omc

[razzor]

Hey folks
I need to remove the 2 mesh gears{I cant think of what there called} but I can't figure out how they come off, There is a thin metal cap in the center of both of them, is the answer under those caps? they don't come off easily, I will damage the caps taking them off.
1977 Invader omc 175 with a 302 ford I/O
They're is play in the top one and its making noise, I'v been told if I take those gears off and take them to a welding shop they can mig or tig some new metal onto the finger tips of these gears? If I ignore the noise will I get another season out of this old classic? it does'nt seem to effect the way it runs,
Thanks guys, I have a hard time getting help and parts for this thing, Razzor

 

[Lyndy]

Re: cowlflower gears/finger gears on 77 omc

By description they sound like Ball Gears. One on the Intermediate Casing and One on the Upper Gear Case. I believe that year the Gears are not pressed on. There should be a nut in behind the metal plate you mentioned, and the plate will need to be replaced because you will need a Hook Puch to pull them off. There are kits on Ebay, and other Internet Parts Sites. Before you start, I would recommend an OEM Service Manual, also available on Ebay and other sites. I got to say YIKES on repairing them as mentioned. Once you have Identified the Drive others can help you here also. You should replace both gears and the Drive will likely need to come off. Another good reason for the OEM Service Manual. If no Model #'s are readily available, start by getting a picture of the Drive, Intermediate Casing with the Drive in the UP position and a General picture of the Engine. Post them here one this Forum for us to see. Several other members will chime in pretty quick to assist.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cowlflower gears/finger gears on 77 omc

I'v been told if I take those gears off and take them to a welding shop they can mig or tig some new metal onto the finger tips of these gears?

Ayuh,........ That Won't Work.............

 

[fendersfender]

Re: cowlflower gears/finger gears on 77 omc

service manual is a must.....dont take shortcuts, do the job right..it will be cheaper in the long run......btw...ball gears usually only make noise is drive is up...it really should'nt be ran with drive up.....are you sure the noise is ball gears???

 

[aerwin]

Re: cowlflower gears/finger gears on 77 omc

get a manual or a good omc mechanic. make sure the drive is all the way down when the engine is running, and lower and raise the drive when it isnt running. it's not like a hydralic trim type set-up you see on the newer boats. running other than all the way down will ruin a set of ball gears. they arn't that hard to change and are fairly easy to find. learn about the drive before you go out and run it