1976 OMC stringer electric shift Impeller replacement

[@catmando308]

I just Inherited my Dads boat, 1977 OMC stringer 400/140hp. Ryan these videos are just what the doctor ordered. i really want to keep my DADs boat in top shape. Thanks for all you do.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Awesome!!!! Thank you for the feedback.

[@bennyblanko3]

Thanks a billion! That helped so much! I just went for it, and boy the bolts holding the water pump were tight and locked on from corrosion - was a salt water outdrive (and no sealant used). Then the comment about pounding with a rubber hammer was priceless! Well, tomorrow morning I'll put the new impeller in ... looks good from here. Not too bad really.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Awesome!

[@JoanneZorola]

The SELOC 1964-86 manual recommends inspection of the swivel housing and water pick up tube. Page 9-14. Any exhaust gases or leakage at the swivel housing will cause failure of new water pump!!

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

The misplacing of the key was classic, I felt your pain, you're a lot more patient than I am in cases when I have a brain fart like that. I wanted to yell through the screen where it was! I just knew the second you put it down again you weren't really paying attention when you did it and you'd be looking for it again lol.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

on camera and off camera are totally different lol! but ive gotten way better as ive gotten older and realize you gaining nothing by having a tantrum lol

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

@@ryanmurphy4208 I'm older too, just turned 60 and still can't help myself, it's so irritating and time wasting..BTW on camera or off camera wouldn't matter either lol.. I have hours of vids on multiple topics from car repair to boats and everything in between but the editing and such is so confusing and time consuming for me I've not had the time to load them on my channels and I'm on to the next project and they're always urgent it seems.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@kw57rx8dr.9 I try and keep editing simple as I’m sure you’ve noticed lol, but still takes time. Just shooting the video adds time to the project itself. I have trouble explaining what I’m doing. What’s makes sense in my head doesn’t make sense in English or much less someone else lol.

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

@@ryanmurphy4208 Exactly and yes I want to get to the project so oft times I forget and doing video breaks seriously slows me down. Also I never seem to have enough memory on the card or the battery dies mid vid, also I don't even video the entire thing because it's too hard to set up and stay in frame and invariably it'll stop videoing for some reason, a few of those just mentioned and I'll miss everything anyway.

[@chrisnielsen5467]

I appreciate the vids it's given me a better look at the cooling system stuff on mine...

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Glad to hear, and thank you

[@MrCrf450rider]

Always use red locktite on the waterpump key,set the impeller on the shaft,and make sure the impeller will slide on,once it is positioned, take the impeller off,and let the lock tite dry,then assemble it afterwards

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

Thank you for the video it has been a great help as I'm more visual than reading, the one thing I found confusing and had to work out because mine was missing it upon my disassembly is that my unit is a 175 HP and that washer you speak of comes in two different kinds actually and with different washers and in some cases two and the washer you speak of only applies to your 140Hp and 120Hp outdrives, it is not applied in any other HP which only have single conical shaped spring.. Actually I also discovered that my unit has two grease fittings one top and one bottom but the top one is right behind the housing and sticks straight out so it has no access through the plug and no way to grease it. I am going to purchase a 90 degree zerk fitting so that I can give it a good grease charge from the top before full assembly but it won't be able to be greased again after that.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Glads this helped

[@Tom-yj9cr]

Thank you so much for this, Mine was very difficult to get the water pump housing out i actually had to knock the gears its attached to out with it then put them back after i separated the water pump housing. My impeller was completely trashed so I do not know what way to reinstall the new one for impeller paddle directions. Any input would be great. Thank you!

[@therondayvoo4746]

Thanks so much for this video it was incredibly helpful!

[@ryanmurphy4208]

You’re welcome, glad this video helped out

[@miketony8152]

Never mind. I just read your description. Thank you

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Mike Tony you’re welcome

[@macindoe]

Great video. But my kit came with a large o-ring that apparently goes on the outside of the pump housing. I noticed you didn’t install this? In fairness, I didn’t see one when I disassembled, but wondered if it might have been an update.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I don’t recall that o-ring. This video was an early video for me lol. But it could have been a later update or that kit fits another outdrive maybe?

[@JustinSmith-rn2on]

I have a 1973 120hp OMC sterndrive identical to this 140hp. I can not get the front water pump housing out of outboard. I've soaked it with PB blaster, W-40 and used the three 5/8 bolt holes and it will not break loose. Any ideas or suggestions? I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Maybe try a punch and hammer with some light heat. and lightly go around the outside lip. But be very careful as if you damage it may seal and it’s also part of the upper gear box.

[@JustinSmith-rn2on]

@@ryanmurphy4208 okay, I'll try that. Is there a way to tap it from the top? There's a plate that has 5 Phillips screws and comes off above it?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

That plate is part of the impeller housing and covered by the bigger piece that sits in the upper gear box and serves as a swivel point. I can’t remember the official name of it. I don’t know if you got a just an impeller or the kit I got. Which has an impeller and housing. If need be your better off to destroy the impeller housing as you can buy those new for not alot of money. You can see when I compared the old and the new. The old one is cracked and collapsing on the impeller. That’s what I’m calling the impeller housing. Now on mine I was able to knock it out though one of the four bolt holes as there was a small lip down in those bolt holes.

[@JustinSmith-rn2on]

@@ryanmurphy4208 I got the complete kit as you did. I'll try punching out through one of the bolt holes.

[@barneybenbarker76]

Hey, great video I have a 175 OMC it’s overheating. I want to change the water pump and impeller quick Question Someone asked if you had to remove the Drive from the boat to install the new water pumping and impeller. Do you have to or can you make the repair with the drive connected to the boat thanks man

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@barneybenbarker76 if memory serves me correctly. I’m pretty sure you’ll have to remove the drive. You may be able to do it without removing it. But I’d plan on removing the drive. Removing the drive isn’t difficult and pretty easy to do with a cherry picker

[@barneybenbarker76]

@@ryanmurphy4208 thank you. Good video.

[@perpedersen6226]

Just bought a old Windy 24. Didn't know the drive - but it's an OMC Stringer 1976 in a pretty bad shape, barnacles all over the place and tilt not working etc., so I'll have to give it the big round of fixing. How to do, I wonder? And then your videos shows up. Excellent videos! Gives me the courage to start on the project myself. One question though, I need to repaint the drive, do you have any recommendation on this? Thanks again 😄

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@perpedersen6226 glad the videos help out and give courage to fellers like yourself. As far as paint, I would obviously strip the paint off. Then zinc coat it to prevent corrosion. Then prime it, wet sand lightly, pick your color and I would probably do a like 2k clear to protect the color. Thats my 2 cents. Thanks for watching

[@johnjay6370]

where can i get a replacement prop, mine is a bit damaged and i can not seem to find them anywhere? I have a 1981 Mon Ark with the same setup as you from what i can tell.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@johnjay6370 I found some new old stock on eBay, and my local prop shop was able to repair mine. If you download the Crowley marine app. And enter your model number. Look up the prop and it should tell you the part# and prop size

[@joejozwiak6169]

Hi, just inherited a 1970 400 Stringer. What holds the lower unit to the upper unit if you don't have to take out the 6 bolts? Do you have to drain the oil from the upper and lower unit first?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I don’t fully remember to be honest. I don’t think I drained any fluids. And to remove the upper you remove the top cover. And If memory serves me correctly the upper gear box should slide off.

[@joejozwiak6169]

I noticed in the water pump package, there were other O rings. Do you remember what those were for? @@ryanmurphy4208

[@devinbaber4594]

Can you tell me where the water flows through to cool the engine I just picked up a boat with this drive and I’m so used to mercruiser I’m at a complete loss

[@ryanmurphy4208]

On the 120/140 the impeller is going to pump to a water pump on the front of the engine. From there it goes though the bock and the manifold. And exits out the exhaust

[@miketony8152]

I have an '84 400 series. Where did you buy the new parts?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

i bought my parts off amazon. Some of the parts i had to verify part numbers off a marine parts site

[@keithroberts6548]

Hey Ryan. Long time since I watched your videos but they are still the only ones dealing with my sterndrive so thx again. Easy question this time I hope. I can’t find the seal washer size for the oil dip stick on top of the sterndrive. It’s also the same as the screw for the intermediary oil fill All I can find are the smaller ones for the lower units drain plugs. Do you happen to have a part number for those larger washers ?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Good morning, try this part#18-0939-9. Hope this works. Thanks!

[@keithroberts6548]

Thx for the reply. That seems to be the right part number but can’t find anyone selling them, or they are out of stock. The joys of having an ancient stern drive 😂

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@keithroberts6548 oh no!!! Then I’d suggest to keep watch on the dipstick for a milkshake. Just in case it’s not sealing

[@keithroberts6548]

Unfortunately it happened already which is why I haven’t been out since I discovered it.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@keithroberts6548 looks like west marine have them in stock

[@chjp2346]

I couldn't help but notice the twist of the drive shaft splines, why is that twisted?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Chjp 234 good eye, the splines should be straight. I’m guessing the previous owner drilled a few rocks and that’s probably the reason there twisted. I was going to make point of that but totally spaced it. At some point I’m going to pull it all apart and replace everything that’s twisted and or bad. I haven’t touched the boat since I did the impeller. Maybe this weekend I’ll get it on the water.

[@nickking1510]

If it were my drive I would replace that shaft could let go and leave you stranded .Twisted like that I am surprised it did not snap.

[@tomsawyer247]

After a lot of pounding my head against the wall i decided to try getting my leg deeper in the barrel and voila it pumps just fine. The fish are really getting nervous now.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Awesome!

[@dr.decalin5565]

Ryan, I have an OMC 400 with the 2.5 liter GMC engine, I'm not quite sure of the year since I bought this boat on an estate sale. I need to replace the impeller and pump. I have the parts kit Sierra 18-3386 which contains both together with the O-rings. Question: Is it possible to raise up the OMC 400 and then drop the lower section with the propeller off the upper section and gain access to the pump from underneath? That way I'd not need to totally remove the whole outdrive. I assume then that I'd only need to remove four bolts to drop the pump and shaft out of the upper gearcase. I have to work alone and lifting off the whole deal would be a struggle.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

You can certainly try, but the electric shift wires and or cables you’d have to get slack in them if I remember correctly. If you have a cherry picker it goes pretty smoothly, even by yourself

[@MrCrf450rider]

Cable,or electric shift,you have to disconnect them.if you have a shift converter box,the cables need to be disconnect. Either way it must all come apart

[@davidpelzel6137]

So I have a 1981 120hp 400 omc sterndrive. which way does the impeller go in. Clockwise or counterclockwise? Yours went in clockwise? Mine was disintegrated so I can't tell.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I’ve read that it does not matter what direction you put it in and when the motor starts it well correct itself. Now I can’t say for sure if that would happen. I would put it in the same direction as seen in the video.

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

You forgot the shellac that's why it was fighting you, I've always found that things should just give you a bit of difficulty on assembly and if it gives you too much trouble you're forgetting something thing so I stop and go over everything again. I've also found that if it goes too easily? Same thing, you've forgotten something.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

agreed

[@BrandonDavidson-l1r]

So I have a manual shift cable and I'm having trouble getting it pushed through. Suggestions?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Getting the cables pushed though?

[@BrandonDavidson-l1r]

@@ryanmurphy4208 the shift cable is difficult to feed through when removing the outdrive. I don't have the electric shift the comes has quick connections.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Try using dish soap or Vaseline on the cables. Even with the electric shift wires I used dish soap to get the wires pulled back though. The lubrication helps a-lot

[@wantedformoney12]

So I noticed you didn't put the o-ring on the outside of the pump housing. My book tells me to do that and another video with no one talking told me to do it but neither explain why it's there. Would you know why it's there and why you didn't out it on?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I do not know why it’s there. But I did tear everything apart off camera because I started wondering if I installed that o-ring. While the caulking was setting up on boot seal.

[@rayw282]

Excellent, and one of the only, videos I’ve found. Am I safe I’m assuming my ‘78 300hp V-8 with a Stringer 800 will be very similar? I do have the manual and have been able to source the kit with housing in both Seloc and Mallory on eBay. Thanks for your sharing and accurate information!

[@ryanmurphy4208]

You’re welcome!!!! I would assume the process would be similar. 😃

[@moorefab8192]

Some Bob Ross strokes haha you should have made a tree with a little friend living next to it then beat the devil out of your brush haha

[@ryanmurphy4208]

moore fab 😂 I’ll have to remember that for next time!

[@jacobtilley4880]

I'm having a lot of trouble getting the water pump to come out. My manual only has instructions for disassembling the whole upper gearcase to include the ball gear. How did you go about tapping it out?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I’m assuming you removed the 4 bolts holding the pump to the upper gear housing? If so I used a punch and a hammer and slowly tapped on the little bit of surface I could hook onto down in bolt holes. One thing is if you are replacing the actual impeller and impeller housing you can do whatever you need to do. Just need save the other end.

[@jacobtilley4880]

@@ryanmurphy4208 Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I had the bolts removed. I've ended up just removing the ball gear and tapping it out through there, but the housing itself is still stuck together. I believe whoever did this last used a bunch of loctite or something when they installed it. And it's very corroded so that doesn't help.

[@The_Brew_Dog]

Why does the outdrive have to come off to do the impeller? Couldn’t you just remove the lower unit with it still attached to the boat?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

you probably could leave the outdrive on, i did mine per the book, and also i had to replace my stern boot so it had to come off anyways.

[@The_Brew_Dog]

Ryan Murphy thanks. I’ll probably just take the drive off also, doesn’t seem like that much more work. How long did the whole job take you approximately?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Lee Danger Brewer I probably had about an hour in it. I wasn’t thinking when I did this video when you go to put your drive back on make sure your steering wheel is straight and make sure the drive is straight also. Otherwise you’ll have a crooked steering wheel

[@The_Brew_Dog]

Ryan Murphy solid advice. Thanks for the reply. I’m a boat mechanic for a living, been doing it for 13 years but have never done a single stringer outdrive believe it or not. Just never wanted to deal with them and have always had plenty of other work not to have to. This one is for an old friend so I figured by time I just did it. Will probably take me 3 hrs on this first one. Steering wheel tip just save me 45 min at least though so thanks

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Lee Danger Brewer you’re welcome, a lot easier than it seems

[@johnhiggins9615]

He works like me in fact I misplaced the snap ring on the shaft.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

😂 I do it all the time

[@danielsalcido9309]

Do you have to take off the entire drive to change the impeller or is it possible to only remove the lower drive?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

You possibly could just remove the upper. I can’t exactly remember.

[@charlesritchie8509]

Great video thanks where did you get your parts from I’m from Canada but can get them shipped to the USA thanks again fir making this video I have a 1982 doral what boat is on your video??

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Sorry for the delayed response I’m not always getting comment notifications for some reason. My boat is a 1977 sea sprite with a 1976 3.0L gm four cylinder. All my parts so far have been from amazon or the parts store.

[@paulpetroni3417]

Can you contact me I have the 190 and it's been a bear! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@ryanmurphy4208]

find me on facebook, Ryan Murphy my profile pic is me doing a wheelie on a four wheeler. just shoot me a message

[@nevinkelly4203]

I have a something similar to your prop and I’m looking to change the impeller as you have done I know the model number and serial number but can’t seem to find it anywhere online mine is 120hp where your is 140 is there a website where I can find parts for it ??

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Nevin, I purchased this impeller from Amazon, I haven’t ran the boat in over a year so can’t say the quality of it yet. But download the Crowley marine app for your phone. They sell OEM parts and everything goes by your model and serial number. If nothing less you can at least get a part number and google search it.

[@nevinkelly4203]

Ok thank you was it difficult to change the impeller

[@nevinkelly4203]

I actually watched the video again very helpful . I downloaded the app you said but when I enter the model number # 989701 and serial number # 120B 2747 nothing comes up

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Nevin, the impeller is actually pretty easy to do. 🙂 I’ll try the numbers you gave me and report back to ya. Are these numbers off the drive?

[@jackstraw7413]

question: my impeller looked like it was turning counter clockwise (facing the housing) Is that correct? Its a 1986 with a cable shifter not electric because its got a thick cable i could not disconnect....i have the gear housing suspended behind the boat

[@ryanmurphy4208]

To be honest I can’t say for sure on the cable shift. I guess if it moves a lot of water it should be the right direction

[@jackstraw7413]

@@ryanmurphy4208 ok thank you!

[@jackstraw7413]

@@ryanmurphy4208 So I looked at the pictures I took when I was dissembling....I also looked at the wear marks....so I'm positive I replaced the impeller the way it came out. But I still have no water flow. Any suggestions?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@jackstraw7413 if the impeller is not the issue, I would look at the water pick up tube. Could be cracked/broken or just plugged

[@MrCrf450rider]

The impeller needs to push the water,not scoop it.check the rotation on your boats ball gear,then check the direction it would be turning,on the outdrive side.the way the water pump shaft is turning, is the way you install the impeller

[@3j3936]

how do you what way to install impeller I have a 400

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I’m not totally following?

[@3j3936]

@@ryanmurphy4208 the rubber impeller does it matter wich way it in the housings

[@3j3936]

@@ryanmurphy4208 I have seen it installed clockwise and counter clockwise

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@3j3936 front or back no it doesn’t, but you want the twist in the impeller in the right direction tho.

[@3j3936]

@@ryanmurphy4208 thank you very much

[@ericdereus4409]

Hi there! Can you please give me the partnumber of the impeller or impeller-set Kind regards from Holland😎👍🏻

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Yep I sure can, I’ll get them when I get home from work today

[@ryanmurphy4208]

OMC Stringer Drive Water Pump Kit with Housing EMP Part # 46-00017 Replaces OEM Part #: 983218, GLM 12190, Sierra 18-3386 New water pump kit with housing for 1964-1986 OMC Stringer drive (not Cobra) applications. Kit Includes: 1 - Water pump housing (replaces OEM # 983298) 1 - Impeller (replaces OEM # 379475) 1 - Impeller wear plate (replaces OEM # 313176) required o-rings and seals. These are from Amazon

[@ericdereus4409]

@@ryanmurphy4208 thanks Ryan😎👍🏻

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@ericdereus4409 no problem 😉

[@ryanmarkewich7384]

Hello. I need some advice on my 1975 Sterndrive tonight if you by chance receive this message let me know

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Ryan Markewich what’s going on?

[@ryanmarkewich7384]

Ryan Murphy good day. Thanks for replying. Facing the leg from behind the boat on the right side there is a 4 bolt cover with an o-ring, cork gasket, plate and a full gasket. I don’t know what that area is called but it’s the left side equivalent of where the garden hose would be hooked up. When I hooked garden hose up both sides had water coming out of the bottom of the cover. I couldn’t get a gasket set in the time frame I needed so I made my own. The hose bib side sealed up but I couldn’t get the right side to. Or so I thought. Little did I know until after trying to re-seal it 3 times that there is a small port that runs from underneath to inside the water port closest the engine to me it looks like it is supposed to come out of there at all times but the 2 mechanics I talked to prior to knowing about the small hole and only thinking it was the seals told me no water should be leaking as lost water there starves the engine of water Any advise?

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Ryan Markewich I cant fully remember what’s inside those pivot caps. But I do remember a cork gasket and metal gasket and possibly a o-ring. I believe those sit at different depths. Both of my caps leak when I have the garden hose hooked up, but don’t leak when in the water. I would recommend replacing the gaskets obviously. But in all honesty I pull the water inlet off we’re it goes into the thermostat housing and make sure you have sufficient water coming out from the impeller and keep an eye on your water temps you should be fine for the weekend. If this doesn’t answer your question let me know. Can possibly do a video chat of what exactly you are looking at and go from there.

[@ryanmarkewich7384]

Ryan Murphy thankyou. Ran like a dream today but mostly used the 9.9 mercury while fishing.

[@kw57rx8dr.9]

@@ryanmarkewich7384 Ok so this is a question I was seeking as well. I have many years experience with working on all range of pumps etc. and this has me perplexed as well. I thought this was an issue and when I rebuilt my lower end made sure to purchase new gaskets for this (separate kit) because I felt it shouldn't be leaking either, the queer thing is that yes there are two holes on the bottom on either side but in examining the gaskets there does not seem to be any reason for it to be leaking past them. There is a large gasket that is sandwiched by the metal plate that directs the water in a 'U' back into the end plate from the lower unit and it feeds the engine water pump through the other two ports, one with the cork gasket and the other with the small O-ring that lower unit pivots up and down on. My engine is running hot out of water, I do not have the hose fitting so I removed the cooling screen on the lower end and formed a piece of garden hose with a quick disconnect on the end to feed it water. That's how I see the water coming out during running (and not), I have never had this boat in the water yet, that is near on the horizon. Now that I have repaired a leaking fuel tank, partially rebuilt the lower end and water pump and installed a new electronic ignition conversion but I still need to time the engine, at this point it's just by ear and it may be retarded too much causing it to run hot. They had issues before I bought it noted by new temp sensors etc. but I'm certain I addressed several additional issues as well in the water pump and gaskets etc. but like I said still have water coming from those holes that is both confusing and disappointing since I can see no source or reason for it. Have had to table it for it a while being fully engaged in repairing the fuel tank issue which is finally on its last details so I'll be getting back to it again shortly.

[@tomsawyer247]

I thought the impeller was supposed to be turned in counter clockwise.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

I have heard that myself, but it comes down to the manufacturer and what direction the shaft spins. After I did this impeller I checked and made sure I had water pumping to the water pump.

[@tomsawyer247]

@@ryanmurphy4208 I put a new pump in and it won't pump so am thinking the way you put yours in is right and counter clockwise is wrong.

[@ryanmurphy4208]

@@tomsawyer247 there’s a good chance that it was installed wrong then. If change the direction of the impeller and it still won’t pump water I’d look at your pickup tube. Keep me posted on what you find out🙂

[@tomsawyer247]

@@ryanmurphy4208 thanks Ryan for your help this thing has been bugging the piss out of me. I will put it back together tommorow clockwise and let you know the results.

[@tomsawyer247]

@@ryanmurphy4208 oh ya Ryan I was hollering at you to tell you where that key was but I guess you couldn't hear me from there. Lol.

[@tylerscheidt1987]

Wheres my key?

[@tonygatto48]

we all saw it....😁

[@ryanmurphy4208]

Haha 😂 thanks