OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

[rybad]

Both of my outdrives (1988/89 Cobra 5.7) have a very little bit of water getting in. When I drain the gear oil, there is a milk-shake at the very end of the drain. <br /><br />I am capable of removing the drives, and do have a SELOC manual. I'm wondering on how difficult a job it is to (1) get the outdrives pressure tested, and (2) replace the seals. Are there any special tips, tools, or recommendations ??<br /><br />-DR

 

[tommays]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

pressure testing the drive is as simple as pulling the drive draining the oil and pumping it up to the recomened pressure and waiting to see if something leaks many times they need a vacume test also to find a leak<br /><br /><br />changeing seals is a whole different ball game i would recomend hunting down an orginal manual on ebay but the seloc should give you a good idea that it really depends on your skills i dont think anybody would find it to be an easy job but many people here do it and many leave it to a pro<br /><br />tommays

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

hello<br /> the lower is not to bad, but the upper requires some tools to dissasemble and reasemble the drive gearshft that must be used. the lower is almost like any other v6 outboard.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

When you say "requres some tools" .. do you mean "special tools"? <br /><br />I have never taken the drive apart before, I have taken them off of the boat, and I have even replaced an engine before. I'm just don't know if I'm getting over my head with attempting this.<br /><br />Anyone know how much shops usually charge to do this type of work? Or am I better off doing it myself? What is a good estimate of time (2-3 hours each)<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />-Dave

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

Like Tommays already said... pressure check them first.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

How much pressue is suffecient to test?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

I have a question as long as we are on this topic as well. I just replaced the impellor in my OMC upper and am going to pressure test it. David, I can't rember excactly, but seaching the web you will find many articles on the actually pressures to use. I think they recommend starting at no more than 5 lbs/pressure or vaccum and working up on the pressure side to 15-20, and no more than 10 or so vacuum.<br /><br />But to my other question. If the gear seals do need to be replaced, have you found it in your experience(anyone) that shops will take a gear drive assembly you already removed and the parts you already have and charge for labor to do it and return? I just figure with the expense of any specialty tools, as well as the expertice of somebody actually doing it right the first time, the labor expense would be worth it.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

Thats the big question. I feel the same way.. I hate to pay someone a lot of $$ to do this for me. Then when I'm small talking around the marina with the other boaters, they'll say "Why did you pay for that, it's easy and takes 20 minutes".<br /><br />I hate that!<br /><br />I'm just trying to get an idea if this is something that an intermidiate DIY'er can or should do (or not)

 

[Mahoney]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

I hear you there,<br /><br />I am sure it's relatively easy and takes 20 minutes, but that is with a full shop. Factor in the time it takes to track down the right specialty parts, order them, wait till they ship, set them up, figure out how to use them, and finally get around to working on it, its September!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive Seals (Replace?)

David, <br /><br />I have never had a Cobra... I have a Stringer drive. The only thing similar is the lower unit. <br /><br />You can pull both units and separate the lower from the upper unit yourself. You could then send the uppers out for R&R to a number of places if your local shop won't do it. <br /><br />If you feel capable, you could go out and buy the tools on Ebay, but you'll have to do a cost analysis to determine if it's worth it. IMHO.