1977 Cobalt 19BR

[Whodat2301]

Ok so I am new to I/O boats not so much to boats, but I just bought this boat and it has an OMC sterndrive. I have been seeing a lot of people bash it and a lot say they love them. I am looking to see if anyone can help me find a manual for the outdrive on this boat. I have the serial # and model # for it but when I am looking it up it does not come up. Hoping someone has some info on this for me. The Mod # is 981093 Ser # 9IN the I is either I,1, or l. Those are the only numbers I can find on the sterndrive. The guy I bought the boat from said the motor was a Ford 302. Any info would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

Also I am trying to find out if I spun my prop do I just take it off and mark the back side of the hub and prop then run it again? If that is not the correct way to mark it how to? If it is a spun prop does anyone know what pitch should be stock on it?

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

Welcome aboard Whodat:

'77 was the last year for the Electric Shift Stringer, so there's a good chance that is what you have. I've got one, and if yours is runnin' or can be easily made to run, I wouldn't be afraid of it - I actually like my drive better than the modern Mercs I've run. HOWEVER, it's old, obsolete and getting more rare. If the boat is in rough shape and you don't know if the drive runs and … and … and … etc. you may want to reconsider the project (spending $2k getting this runnin' vs. $3 to get a lake ready boat).

In '77 the 190HP and the 175HP used the 302 (marin-ized by OMC). The number to help you identify the drive is usually on a tag inside the engine bay - the number you're listing doesn't line up with anything I can find fast. Maybe some pictures would help out.

What makes you think you spun the prop? On an Electric Shift Stringer, if it ain't on and in gear you should be able to spin the propeller freely in either direction (it doesn't lock due to how the shift system works). I'm not sure which prop was stock on that one, but if you've been runnin' on it what kinda' top end are you getting?

Some good info HERE and HERE and HERE

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

Factory service man part number is 981603 (SM - 1977; ALL MODELS; OMC STERN DRIVE Service Manl $57.70)

Available from outboardbooks.com

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

If the distributor is at the back of the engine it is a GM engine. If the distributor is at the front of the engine it is a Ford. The only exception to that rule would be if it is a V6 and the distributor is in front it would be a Buick.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

Welcome aboard Whodat:

'77 was the last year for the Electric Shift Stringer, so there's a good chance that is what you have. I've got one, and if yours is runnin' or can be easily made to run, I wouldn't be afraid of it - I actually like my drive better than the modern Mercs I've run. HOWEVER, it's old, obsolete and getting more rare. If the boat is in rough shape and you don't know if the drive runs and ? and ? and ? etc. you may want to reconsider the project (spending $2k getting this runnin' vs. $3 to get a lake ready boat).

In '77 the 190HP and the 175HP used the 302 (marin-ized by OMC). The number to help you identify the drive is usually on a tag inside the engine bay - the number you're listing doesn't line up with anything I can find fast. Maybe some pictures would help out.

What makes you think you spun the prop? On an Electric Shift Stringer, if it ain't on and in gear you should be able to spin the propeller freely in either direction (it doesn't lock due to how the shift system works). I'm not sure which prop was stock on that one, but if you've been runnin' on it what kinda' top end are you getting?

Some good info HERE and HERE and HERE

Thanks for the info. The boat runs fine. NO issues with it other than the other day. I was out and on the way home and gave it some good gas and it started to plane out then it hit like neutral no movement then RPM's spiked and I throttled down to lower the RPM's. Once the rpms were lower it like reengaged the prop and we moved. I did this a few times even tried reverse to see if it was some of the reeds that I gone through to blow them out. We putted home at about 12 mph anything higher would kick it out. and what i have read online of spun props its the same symptoms i have now. With the #'s in the eng. bay i will have to check to see if i can find any. have not looked there.

The prop on the boat is old and i have no clue what it is or have part #. I had the boat up to 40mph and still far from WOT.

Factory service man part number is 981603 (SM - 1977; ALL MODELS; OMC STERN DRIVE Service Manl $57.70)

Available from outboardbooks.com

Thanks I will look into this. I just want it for info or if i have to repair it. I work on aircraft so i should be able to handle this with this book.

If the distributor is at the back of the engine it is a GM engine. If the distributor is at the front of the engine it is a Ford. The only exception to that rule would be if it is a V6 and the distributor is in front it would be a Buick.

Its a ford 302 the distributor is in the front.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

With the #'s in the eng. bay i will have to check to see if i can find any. have not looked there.

Mine's a straight 6, but it's located here: you can just see it peaking out in the middle left side beside the electrical harness connections.

The prop on the boat is old and i have no clue what it is or have part #.

Mine was originally propped with a 14x16 or 14x18. Some info at the same site I sent you to before HERE.

I work on aircraft so i should be able to handle this with this book.

If you're at Travis, you probably work on BIG aircraft.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

Mine's a straight 6, but it's located here:View attachment 218984 you can just see it peaking out in the middle left side beside the electrical harness connections.


Mine was originally propped with a 14x16 or 14x18. Some info at the same site I sent you to before HERE.


If you're at Travis, you probably work on BIG aircraft.

cool i will take a peek when i get a chance


I would say mine is close to 14 diameter so that would be about right

Yep dont like lawn darts lol

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

ok found the prop part # its 172492 17 pitch. when we took it of its a pin drive prop and on the pin side it has a fresh wear ring around it on the #'s and letters
here are some pics i just took tonight


i could not find the tag with any #s in the eng bay. I took pics so someone may be able to say hey look around this spot. i did find what i think is the eng serial # and the #s on the header case say 235

 

[Tnstratofam]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

The last picture you posted is not the serial number it is the firing order for the engine.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

...dont like lawn darts lol

I grew up around the Michigan Six Pack (giving you both the fighter jocks and the heavies). One of the best stories I heard was one that someone showed us from a Bob Stevens "So There I Was" cartoon:

A group of F4s were runnin' escort with a flight of B52s. One of the F4s barrels completely around one of the 52s just for fun.

The 52 driver keys up and says, "that's pretty impressive little guy, but try this." … a few minutes pause … "Ha! There ya' go!"

The Phantom pilot replies, "Huh? I didn't see anything. Whadja' do?"

"I just shut down 2 engines."

...the #s on the header case say 235

'77 235 should be a Ford 351. Wonder if you don't have a few extra cubes there.

Does yours have select trim?

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

The last picture you posted is not the serial number it is the firing order for the engine.

Now that i look closer it is the same numbers on the case that say eng firing order lol!! my bad!!!

I grew up around the Michigan Six Pack (giving you both the fighter jocks and the heavies). One of the best stories I heard was one that someone showed us from a Bob Stevens "So There I Was" cartoon:

A group of F4s were runnin' escort with a flight of B52s. One of the F4s barrels completely around one of the 52s just for fun.

The 52 driver keys up and says, "that's pretty impressive little guy, but try this." … a few minutes pause … "Ha! There ya' go!"

The Phantom pilot replies, "Huh? I didn't see anything. Whadja' do?"

"I just shut down 2 engines."

Lol i have heard it where after the few min go bye the heavy pilot says i just went to the bathroom and got a cup of coffee lol.

'77 235 should be a Ford 351. Wonder if you don't have a few extra cubes there.

Does yours have select trim?

I do have select trim i can move it up and down without having to raise it up or lower it all the way. like i said this is the first I/O i have ever owned so it could very well be the 351 but the guy said it was a 302

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

...... i did find what i think is the eng serial # and the #s on the header case say 235.....

That is definitely a 351w by virtue of the firing order cast into the intake runner. Later OMC 190 hp 302's used the same firing order but the stock firing order, for a 302w, that was cast into the intake manifold (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8), was scrubbed off. Later Ford HO auto engines also used the 351w firing order.

Another way to identify a 351w is that the intake mani is some 11 inches wide, whereas the 302 is some 9 inches wide.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

That is definitely a 351w by virtue of the firing order cast into the intake runner. Later OMC 190 hp 302's used the same firing order but the stock firing order, for a 302w, that was cast into the intake manifold (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8), was scrubbed off. Later Ford HO auto engines also used the 351w firing order.

Another way to identify a 351w is that the intake mani is some 11 inches wide, whereas the 302 is some 9 inches wide.

Thanks the more info i get the better. it will help out!

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

...i have heard it where after the few min go bye the heavy pilot says i just went to the bathroom and got a cup of coffee

I think all of the heavy drivers like to brag about that! My CAP unit has gotten to fly with the 315th outta' Charleston a couple of times now. I really like flying on board the 17. It beats commercial any day of the week.

I do have select trim i can move it up and down without having to raise it up or lower it all the way. like i said this is the first I/O i have ever owned so it could very well be the 351 but the guy said it was a 302

According to the interweb, the '77 235HP with select trim had two numbers possible: 990241E ST or 990241G ST. Dunno' where your tag should be tho.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

ok found the prop part # its 172492 17 pitch. when we took it of its a pin drive prop and on the pin side it has a fresh wear ring around it on the #'s and letters
here are some pics i just took tonight
View attachment 219009View attachment 219010View attachment 219011

i could not find the tag with any #s in the eng bay. I took pics so someone may be able to say hey look around this spot. i did find what i think is the eng serial # and the #s on the header case say 235

That prop looks to be in pretty good shape. The hub looks clean and bonded too. Those nicks can be lightly dressed with a file (do not file the edges..... just remove any jagged pieces.

Based on your description of the props performance the fist thing I would ask is what was the trim position? If it was not full down or if it was trimmed up too much you could experience prop ventilation/blowout.

That motor is actually pretty clean. We have seen newer motors that are not that clean. Yes, based on the firing order......it should be the 351.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

That prop looks to be in pretty good shape. The hub looks clean and bonded too. Those nicks can be lightly dressed with a file (do not file the edges..... just remove any jagged pieces.

It does have a few nicks and some jagged pieces but overall its in good shape. the hub has actually spun due to the ring around the outer portion of the hub where the pin goes. even the pin has wear marks from the spin. It sucks but i spun the prop.

Based on your description of the props performance the fist thing I would ask is what was the trim position? If it was not full down or if it was trimmed up too much you could experience prop ventilation/blowout.

It was full down i even tried to trim it up every so often to see if that would help but it would just go to a neutral state while the rpms got higher. and plus the ring after i pulled it off says spun prop.

That motor is actually pretty clean. We have seen newer motors that are not that clean. Yes, based on the firing order......it should be the 351.

thanks!! the guy i bought it from kept it in real good condition the whole boat is in great shape for a 77. i think he was like the second or third owner. the only interior problems with the boat are the seams are ripped where they are stitched together. Well i guess i got a little more motor than i thought before which is not a bad thing right??

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

Does anyone know if there is a conversion kit for this sterndrive?? Can I swap the pin drive out for a tooth drive?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

no conversion kits.
your concern is about a pin drive prop? There's nothing inherently wrong with the pin drive design of the prop. The rest of the drive has a few shortcomings, mostly in the tilt system, and upper gearbox.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

no conversion kits.
your concern is about a pin drive prop? There's nothing inherently wrong with the pin drive design of the prop. The rest of the drive has a few shortcomings, mostly in the tilt system, and upper gearbox.

no my concern is finding a prop for this now lol. Its easy to find a 14x17 tooth drive but not a pin drive. just wondering if i could change it out to get a prop faster and easier.

 

[Whodat2301]

Re: 1977 Cobalt 19BR

I think all of the heavy drivers like to brag about that! My CAP unit has gotten to fly with the 315th outta' Charleston a couple of times now. I really like flying on board the 17. It beats commercial any day of the week.

Yeah its nice to be able to fly on these and since I know most of our guys I can kinda do whatever I want lol.

According to the interweb, the '77 235HP with select trim had two numbers possible: 990241E ST or 990241G ST. Dunno' where your tag should be tho.

Would the E be for electric and the G be for Gear? if so i have the Electric shift.


Is there another prop that I could go with? other than a 14x17? I know if you change the radius you have to change the pitch just dont know which way it goes. if the radius goes down does the pitch go up?