Omc 400

[mohead1]

Hi All......looking at a 24ft boat with the 140hp Chevy inline and a OMC 400 outdrive. Can anyone tell me some info in regards to the outdrive. Its a 1980, very good condition, motor is new. Just wondering about parts availability and issues with the outdrive. Besides shaft seals and in/out drive, is there any problems someone can relate to me?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Omc 400

How much do you like to work on a boat? I'm not sure of the 140HP, I've got the 165 and I've heard good things about the Chevy 250 that was the base for that engine. For my Stringer, I've had no hitches finding parts so far ... but you do learn to be a good scavenger. The drive system is a little finicky, and the goofy ball-gear is just a weird setup. I've had no problem with the transom boot, but it seems like you really have to keep an eye on water invasion in the outdrive itself (inside the gear cases). The 400 is a little different setup, so it might not be so bad. It requires plenty of attention to stay ahead of problems, IMHO.

On the plus side ... I like the engine on the stringers vs. the transom. I think the boat runs quieter. The tru-course steering that should be on that 400 is pretty flippin' cool. Mine is an older setup, and what I do like about it is the turn radius ... it's tighter than my folks Mercruiser. And ... considering I'm running a 40 year old boat with a 40 year old drive, they seem pretty robust for what they are.

Short version: I like what I have, but if I was buying a boat right now I would probably steer clear.

 

[mohead1]

Re: Omc 400

Thanks for the info.....from what I have gathered from some research, the units with the ball drive dont allow trimming the motor out....is either up for trailering or down for running....no adjustments for trimming it while getting on plane and all that. Radical departure from my Wellcraft with Mercruiser obviously. But my Wellcraft is a "salt virgin" and this other boat is older but is a salt boat, and would be used when Im outta Tn. and down in Florida near the Keys. It might be ok.....anyone else please chime in....

 

[southkogs]

Re: Omc 400

...from what I have gathered from some research, the units with the ball drive dont allow trimming the motor out....is either up for trailering or down for running....no adjustments for trimming it while getting on plane and all that.

Some units don't. Some OMC Stringers came with SelectTrim. It was an option and I've got it on mine. The outdrive is indeed up or down because of the ball gear. Trim is handled at the FRONT of the engine with a separate motor and system that trims by raising or lowering the entire power plant (hence the goofy rubber boot in the back). I've just gotten my trim put back together this year ... I'm still playing with it to see how well it works out.

Look for the jackscrew and motor on the front engine mount.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Omc 400

I had a 140hp/stringer 400 combination in my 17' boat. it was underpowered in the 17' and SelectTrim. it will be way underpowered in a 24', and ham-stringed further if you do not have SelectTrim. not to mention that OMC now stands for Obsolete Motor Company.

I rebuilt my drive when my sister wrecked it on me 6 years ago and parts were near impossible to find. I dont think they are any easier to find today. I did not like many things about the design of the drive - ball gears, multi-piece vertical shaft, clunky water pump.

I would recommend against the boat with that motor/drive combination.

 

[mohead1]

Re: Omc 400

Its a great boat, but youre comments are pretty much what I was afraid of....I like the little Chevy motor, good longevity and all, but the OMC truly messes me up......dangit. Good price and the hull is solid. Trying to refit would make it not worth the effort/money......