omc sail drive

[georgesustendal]

I have a 1980-82 15hp Omc saildrive Model 15S13A, Serial MO58505. I have not found a manual or mechanic in the area is familiar with this unit. It is installed in my sailboat; starts & runs well- I am getting raw water pumped to the manifold but no water is returning from the out line at the bottom of the block to the manifold to mix with the dry exhaust.<br />I am loath to take the engine apart without a service and parts manual. Do you think this might be a thermostat problem or is it more likely something else? I don't know these engines at all. Thanks for any help.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: omc sail drive

this is a Johnson or Evinrude Sailmaster outboard? How do you know water is being pumped to the powerhead?

 

[jegervais]

Re: omc sail drive

The Sail Drive (also known as the OMC Zephyr) was built from 1977 thru 1984. It utilizes a 32 cubic inch powerhead (which commonly powers the 20/25/30 hp outboards). Parts are getting kinda scarce for these drive units, but maintenance type parts are fairly well available yet. You may find certain gaskets will have to be custom made though. A service manual which covers all model-year sail drives is available under p/n 983669 (about $45). Any Johnson/Evinrude dealer can order it for you, just see the parts manager and give them this p/n. Also, the computer system indicates they're ONLY AVAILABLE thru the main warehouse in WI, make sure the parts guy knows this.<br /><br />-John

 

[georgesustendal]

Re: omc sail drive

Thanks for the help guys. John of Illinois I will follow up on the parts. Oldboat1, I don't know if this is a johnson or evinrude power head but I gave the omc model #. Also the water pump seems to be working as I detached the in line at the intake mainfold(highest point on engine) and the water pump pumped raw water with the engine running.<br />Thanks for any further help.<br />George s

 

[oldboat1]

Re: omc sail drive

george s -- I'm out to lunch on this one. I guess I'm thinking of the Evinrude Yachtwin, but you may be talking about an inboard that operates with an OMC powerhead. I'll just stand back and read, but I'm curious about the model you are discussing. It's an inboard? <br /><br />sorry for the confusion (ignorance)....

 

[jegervais]

Re: omc sail drive

oldboat-<br /><br />The sail drive is a rather unique animal. The powerhead is "inboard" and the hull has a hole cut into it where the mid-section and gearcase end up sticking thru the bottom of the hull. I don't believe the unit pivots to provide steering, therefore steering is handled by the boat's rudder. It does use the same powerhead as the JohnnyRude 20-30 hp outboards, but it's hp is "de-rated" - the larger displacement block provides better thrust for moving large sail boats. Hope this helps your understanding of the Sail Drive a little. I wish I knew where there were some pics on line to refer you to.<br /><br />-John

 

[G DANE]

Re: omc sail drive

Hi Flws<br /><br />This thread contains lots of info as well as picture: http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=006803

 

[jegervais]

Re: omc sail drive

Thanks GDANE, it was right under my nose!!!<br /><br />-John

 

[oldboat1]

Re: omc sail drive

I'll be darned -- never saw that before (missed the prior discussion/pic). Good description, John -- will be back and forth a bit on the steering hook-up thread. Thanks to both.

 

[Petaris]

Re: omc sail drive

May I ask, where did you find the model number on that OMC Zephyr Saildrive? I have been looking for mine, so that I could get parts, for a while with no luck. I have a 1976 Newport 28 and no owners manual for the enigine. The engine is in fairly cramped quarters and it is not easy to see all sides of it.<br /><br />Any indication where that might be would be of great help.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[CATransplant]

Re: omc sail drive

Here's a photo of the 15hp Saildrive:<br /><br />

 

[BillP]

Re: omc sail drive

The OMC Saildrive was the answer for a small lightweight 2 stroke engine with the benefits of an inboard drive. It wouldn't cavitate like an ob hung off the stern. There was a period in the mid 70s when sailboat mfgs installed them as standard equipment. Most were on 30'ish sized "club racer" type sailboats where weight savings was a big deal and inboard drive a necessity. They came in and went out like a fad. John from Ill is right, the rudder steered not the saildrive.