Reply To: OMC 9.5 HP Power head

[Don]

OK, a little confused.  Did you pull the head, inspect, and replace the head gasket?  Or, are you just retorquing the head bolts?  If so, 96-120 inch pounds is the torque spec.  I realize you can’t get at the lower bolts with the torque wrench, so just use a decent box wrench (3/8″) I think, and give it a pull, I’m sure you can reasonably “guestimate” the torque without stripping the threads.

Like others have said, if the engine starts easily and idles nicely, chances are the powerhead is in good shape.  I can’t remember if you mentioned changing the gear lube/doing a water pump job, probably a good idea if you haven’t done this already.  Be sure to check/change the upper driveshaft oring, and lube the driveshaft splines liberally with OMC moly lube before reinstalling the gearcase.  The upper driveshaft splines on these engines tend to get rusted seized into the crankshaft splines, especially if used in salt water.  D