OMC Questions

[GiMLit]

I would like to ask a few questions regarding the Outdrive on a boat I am still considering purchasing.
Boat is a 1986 Cobia 18VBR I/O with a 120 HP 4 cyl.
Question is Stern Drive #'s are as follows Model #980701
Serial # W113303

I try to search on the model # and I don't come up with much that leads me with no doubts. Is this a OMC Stringer unit?
Are there particular thing/things that breaks on this unit? issues to be aware of?
I know people say stay away from OMC
GLM Marine seems to have most any parts for them and as far as I am aware the unit doesn't need repairs at this time, I am just gathering info.

Again thanks for any info. If you have links or other locations that you would recommend for me to gather info those would be greatly appreciated also.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OMC Questions

Howdy,

I am one of those people that will tell you to stay away. You're looking at a drive that is over 20 years old made by a company that no longer exists. Service people who work for dealers are not likely to have been to the OMC school for them and have not worked on very many of them.

Some OMC sterndrives (like the one I pulled out of my FourWinns) had parts that were NOT AVAILABLE any more. NOT AVAILABLE. you cannot buy them (new) at any price! I would have been stuck with junkyard parts....maybe getting parts that were as bad or worse than the parts i was trying to replace.


There's a LOT of boats out there with Volvo or Mercruser drives on them, used and for sale in every state of disrepair or repair.

You are FAR better off searching for one of them.


Regards,



Rick

 

[sweebs]

Re: OMC Questions

I was unaware of the differences and distinctions of OMC v Mercruiser v Volvo. I simply lost out on a sale of a boat by one day that was a 20ft with a 5 liter Mercruiser.

So up came next was the boat that I did "win" (it was an Ebay auction)

My boat has the infamous "OMC" (BOO, SUX- yadda, yadda)

I have no complaints so far. I think "Cobra" is cooler than "Mercruiser" any how.

I did have a hard run-in with a log the 2nd time out on my boat however. Missed the 4th and the entire rest of the month of July.

The only issue I had getting my OMC outdrive repaired was that out of the 10 places I called, there were 2, maybe 3 that did not work on OMC's.

I had no issue finding parts (prop, prop shaft, seal kit, bellows, gimbal bearing, and more).

I wouldn't necessarily dismiss OMC, but I do think the above points regarding potential obsolescence is valid.

If I knew then what I know now, I feel that I would have gone for a Mercruiser, although like I said, my OMC performs terrifically.

BTW, my OMC is a 1991,,,

 

[Lyndy]

Re: OMC Questions

A place for parts:

This website

I also use the following link:

http://www.marinepartssource.com/

They also have a portal to BRP.com where you can look at a complete set of diagrams and part #'s for OMC Drives and Engines.

Ebay is an excellent source for used and new parts.

Link on Ebay for OEM Service Manuals and OEM Parts Catalogue:

http://stores.ebay.com/SEARAYMAN13_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

If you plan to do most of the maintenance yourself and do not mind using places like Ebay, Iboats and the Internet to search for parts, then having an OMC is an option. Through talking with others on this forum and other forums you may find an OMC Mechanic you can trust for some of the work that requires experience and special tools. I did. If you are not up to doing the above then it is best to stay away from OMC Outdrives.

 

[GiMLit]

Re: OMC Questions

I have been in the automotive business for 25 yrs as a mechanic so I am confident with patienance I can do the repairs myself.
My big issue is knowing what components I am dealing with and a basic knowledge of what typical symptoms/problems are common. This will hopefully help me prevent them from occuring or at least take care of them before they cost me days on the water or get me stuck.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: OMC Questions

Only way I would ever take on another OMC Stringer is if someone gave it to me. Parts are available and there are aftermarket supplies but they're not cheap. You can get new old stock drives and rebuilds but why go to all that trouble. I personally think the drive is a tough drive and is fairly easy to work on but it is prone to many problems. My drive is a OMC 800 and is 24 years old and still chuggin along.