OMC Stringer compatibility question

[jschapansky]

Hey Guys,

Im new to the forum, but have been on many before and know to use the search function! I have found a few things on the topic, but none to my satisfaction.

I toasted an upper gearcase beyond repair on a 71 OMC Stringer that was attached to a I4 Chevy. I have been looking for replacement parts.. but all seem outrageously priced.

I stumbled upon an add that is a whole engine and outdrive for only 100 bucks! The one thing is, is that it is from a 1963 and it has the V4. Looking at the picture, the leg looks the same as mine. Is it?

The parts are a 4 hr drive away, so I cant just go take a quick look and find out.. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[captk]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

That V-4 is an outboard powerhead mated to a sterndrive. didnt work to good. The drive is altogether different from yours and will not work. Keep lookin, there must be an omc 120/140 out there somewhere. good luck Bill

Check this out. sale-qkhwa-1867545311@craigslist.org

 

[superbenk]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

I'll sell you mine, but I'm not sure you'll want to part it out


(1980 Century 190 - OMC 140 w/ Stringer 400 hydro-mech drive, TruCourse steering & SelecTrim)

 

[jschapansky]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

Dang, The pictures sure make it look like it would work.. are you sure the upper gearcase isnt the same? Thats the only part I really need..

 

[tworevs]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

I am pretty sure you need a 1964-77 upper gear case.
I believe they came with 2 different gear ratios.
When I replaced my straight six cyl. with the 350... everything bolted right on but when I tried it out... it over revved like crazy.
It cost me about a grand to have new pinion gears installed along with new ball gears. That was about 15 years ago.

Just something to keep in mind while your searching.

Good luck,
Todd.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

I am pretty sure you need a 1964-77 upper gear case.
I believe they came with 2 different gear ratios.

There's over 25 different ratios of upper in those 13 years.

There are at least 12 upper gearcases out there with housing that will NOT EVEN physically fit in his exhaust housing.

12 if he has high profile, and more than 20 that won't fit if he has low profile

OMC did not make it easy to swap uppers. Pre 1968 uppers WILL NOT accept tru course steering parts. Some appear to have the casting for it, and a welch plug in the shaft bore, but it is not finish machined inside.

Can always take a drive for $100... what the heck... the guy might have a 1971 drive and a 1963 powerhead.
The 63 lower behind a V4 would've had a very distinct bullet shaped lower unit and skeg.
If it looks like exactly like your 1971, it ain't a '63 drive. or what you think is a 71 isn't a 71

71 should have 5 bolts in the exhaust cover.
1963 had 4 bolts.

Nothing swaps between the two. Not even props. 1963 propshaft was tapered.

 

[tworevs]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

There's over 25 different ratios of upper in those 13 years.
There are at least 12 upper gearcases out there with housing that will NOT EVEN physically fit in his exhaust housing.
12 if he has high profile, and more than 20 that won't fit if he has low profile

Wow,
My bad.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

and my math was off- sorry - I was including post 77 upper gears... there's only 14 ratios of uppers 64-77, including a bizarre 25:25 upper for the Kaiser V6 155HP.

not even hunting tooth design....

 

[jschapansky]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

in the words of Homer Simpson... DOH

 

[jschapansky]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

Ok, I understand there are many different gear ratio etc etc. how do I figure out what gear ratio is in my boat? I found a replacement gear case but have to order gears for it now.. Like I said it is a 71 (or maybe even 1970) 120HP I4 Chevy.

 

[captk]

Re: OMC Stringer compatibility question

Count the teeth in the old gearcase. both drive and driven gear.