Newbie with OMC 800 question

[crew-it]

Hi. Was glad to find a place like this for a little help. Have a 79 Beachcraft with 185OMC and an OMC 800. There is just a little "play" in the outdrive. Basically, I can grab it and rotate it back and forth just a little bit and when we're trolling the boat wont stay on a straight path. Kinda swims back and forth. I know there's a worm gear that is part of the steering and am wondering if there's any way to adjust the "backlash" out of it or a kit to replace all the gears? Or any other options to fix the situation? Thanks for reading.

 

[run2car]

Re: Newbie with OMC 800 question

How much play are you talking about? There is going to be a small amount in the drive. Mine has a little but will hold a straight course for a long way at speed. Trolling at slow speed you will not be able to hold straight unless in very calm water.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Newbie with OMC 800 question

all boats with single i/o's do the "drunken swagger" at slow speed.

if steering is fine on plane, then steering is probably fine - you could check the trucourse gear but it's not a common wear area
there are tensioners for the steering cable you can tighten that might help - they are plastic nuts - labelled "NUT" in top pic of this link:
http://marinemechanic.com/2000/answerman/tru-course.htm
you just snug them by hand

you'll learn to not overcompensate with time. On some boats, a 4 blade prop helps the sway.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie with OMC 800 question

Some Smart Tabs will also nearly eliminate the wander at low speed & help get on plane faster. I have 1/8-3/16" play back & forth in my drive. Nothing wrong with it.