1987 bayliner with ford omc inboard.

[weezies_view]

Hi there, I'm fairly new to boating and just recently inherited an 1987 bayliner capri with a ford omc 2.3l inboard motor. i've been told that the motor still runs but the tilt trim is going out... from what i know is that it has been sitting for a year. so my question is, where do I begin to get it running? and if it doesnt start up, what do i look into to do maintenance/replacement? I have average automobile knowledge but from what i know, people say boat motors are more simpler. any help would be appreciate. TIA..

 

[southkogs]

With an '87, I'm assuming you have a Cobra, but it's possible you have a Stringer. Is it white or grey (with trim rams)? Maybe post a couple of pictures up too.

Take a quick look at the gear case lubes and make sure you don't have a lot of water in there. Then check the oil and see what kinda' shape it's in. I'd be inclined to try starting it at that point. If it won't turn over you need to start figuring out why before you start fixin' stuff.

:welcome:

 

[Scott Danforth]

Welcome aboard.

the motor you have started life as a ford ranger motor. the 2.3 was never behind a stringer, so you do have a cobra.

being an '87, your boat is sure to have some issues. we can help.

 

[Bulbash]

Replace 50A fuses. In my experience the rubber sleeves that hold them in collect moisture and fuses rust causing bad connection and intermediate problems. I had multiple issue caused by those and spent hours looking for the problems. Now it is part of my spring maintenance to install 2 new 50A fuses. Hope it helps

 

[weezies_view]

thanks guys, i'll be sure to check the fuses, oil and gear case lubes... yesterday i tested out the tilt trim and it seems to be working fine. I havent tried to turn the ignition all the way cause i dont have a motor flusher so i dont want to do any damage to the motor. I took a pic of the motor if it helps on figuring out if its a cobra or not. it is a ford for sure tho. one question tho, "where is the gear case lube located?"

 

[southkogs]

That's a Cobra: The gear case lube is in the stern drive itself. I don't know the Cobras well, but there should be lube in the lower unit (you should find fill ports down toward the skeg). Not sure if the upper gear case is separate ... someone else will have to take over from here.

 

[Scott Danforth]

read the stickies at teh top of the forum

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...oard-engines-outdrives/342742-omc-information

especially the one on the plug NOT to remove from a cobra.

 

[weezies_view]

thanks guys... you guys have been helpful... but i'll try to get it up and going this friday and see if it starts up.. i'll update ya'll then. thanks

 

[bruceb58]

And the fill port is not near the skeg. It's near the center of the drive. The port at the skeg is a drain only. Get an OEM manual to show how to properly fill the gear oil in a Cobra. Very iportant to fill properly. You can wipe out the drive if it is done this way.

Or for a preview, here it is. Also in the link that Scott posted.:

 

[weezies_view]

Ok so does the motor itself have oil? Is there a way to change the oil in there?

 

[Bayou Dave]

There is supposed to be oil in the motor. It has a dip stick like auto's have to check the oil level. It probably is that yellow handled thing next to the valve cover.

 

[bruceb58]

Yes, Buy a pump that threads onto the hose fitting on the dipstick and suck it out. Don't buy a pump where you insert a thinner hose down the tube. The hose fitting type works better.

http://www.iboats.com/PAR-Oil-Chang...7225996--session_id.560541547--view_id.165866
http://www.amazon.com/Jabsco-34060-0130-Marine-Engine-Diameter/dp/B000O8F0SU

 

[weezies_view]

wow, i didnt know you had to suck it out... this is very educational lol... you guys have been very helpful.. thanks

 

[bruceb58]

Warm up the engine before you suck it out. Makes it easier.

The dipstick tube actually connects to where the oil drain plug normally is.

 

[weezies_view]

do you guys know what kind of oil i should be using?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would use the rotella 15w40 from walmart.

 

[weezies_view]

ok, so heres my issue... i was somehow able to start the motor on the boat but it was engaged in forward gear... tried to put it in neutral but the prop wont stop spinning... and the prop wont go into reverse either... one of my buddies told me that in order to fix that issue, i have to take apart the whole outdrive to see why it isnt switching gears... is there another way to fix this issue without doing that? seems like a lot of work

 

[Scott Danforth]

Remember, when on land you don't have water putting drag on the prop to slow it down and stop it before going into reverse.

You have to let it sit in neutral for a bit for the little bit of drag from the seal to slow it down and stop it from spinning, then put it in reverse.

Also, don't spin it above 1500 rpm on muffs.

 

[bruceb58]

If it really is in gear and you can't get it tio shift, you will have to replace the lower shift cable. Do a search on here for the adjustment tools you will have to buy to do it properly. You only have to pull the drive. You don't have to take it apart.

 

[weezies_view]

Would the bell crank housing have anything to do with it not shifting? I been doing research on the forums and seems like that seems to be the issue of corrosion and not letting the gears shift properly... where would that be located?