OMC 3.0L Info?

C

cnkmills

Cadet
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
10
I just purchased a 86 Sunbird Corsair 185 with a 3.0L OMC & Cobra outdrive. This is my first boat and I have very little (none) marine engine knowledge. The seller indicated that this is a 165hp engine...is this correct? I can't find any hp data on the motor. The model numbers on the engine data plate are 302AMKWB & 983841. Also...would this be a Ford or GM motor? Thanks
 
J

JustMrWill

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
877
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

I am in the same situation...first boat...no info. This forum is the best. <br /><br />Just a suggestion...<br /><br />Go to EBAY and find an OMC Maintainance Manual for your year. The 3rd party (Selco and Clymer) aren't as good. I just spent $35 on mine and boy what a difference.<br /><br /> Here is one that looks like it matches your engine/outdrive <br /><br />Hope that helps.<br /><br />-JustMrWill
 
A

a.d.mobile

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Messages
326
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

are you sure it is a inline 4 cly the 302 in the modle number sometimes measn it is a 5.0 ford?
 
B

boat doc

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2003
Messages
83
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

if you cannot find a manual on ebay, call your local dealer, and have them order you a clymer manual. They are not as extensive as a shop manual, but they can almost get you through a complete rebuild of engine and lower unit. They are normally around 35 to 40 bucks.
 
C

cnkmills

Cadet
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
10
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

Yep, it's definately an inline-4. I appreciate the feedback. I'm sure this will be the first of many questions.
 
C

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

I have the same year and engine. If your dip stick is outside the oil filler cap, it's a 120 hp. engine....so I'm told(looks like a garden hose attachment spot. You pump out your oil from there for an oil change with a hand pump designed for the purpose).
 
C

cnkmills

Cadet
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
10
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

Cobra 3.0...the dipstick is just forward of the garden-hose type filler cap. Any idea if this was made by Ford or GM?
 
M

McKenzie

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
192
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

302 means 3.0 liters, 2 barrel carb. Thus, 3-0-2. My ford 5.0 model number starts as 502 (soon to be a 504 :) )
 
C

cnkmills

Cadet
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
10
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

Thanks to all for the info...sounds like I got taken regarding the HP. Am I right in assuming this is a fairly weak power plant for a 18.5' boat?
 
C

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: OMC 3.0L Info?

Mines a GM. If you look inside the oil filler cap, you should be able to see GM molded into the head.<br /><br />This engine is better on a smaller boat. I have a 16 foot and it works well with it.<br /><br />If you have problems getting it to plane, consider a prop pitch shorter than 17" (I have a 17" pitch)and a hydrofoil (I have a Stingray hydrofoil). The hydrofoil puts the boat on plane very quick with large loads and/or a water skier. You also get less lean in a curve with the hydrofoil.
 
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