OMC Cobra Sterndrive

[baldwinjim]

Hi all,

I have a 1996 Four Winns with a 7.4L Chevy V8 (454) that has been sitting for a couple of years and I am trying to get it back into running condition.

Can someone tell me what this hose goes to? From what I can see from my repair manual it appears to be a bypass line.


However, when I look down in the hull under the engine, I see this on the end of the hose.


Now, I'm thinking this is not a good thing. Can anyone advise me?

 

[muc]

That's not a bypass line. That's the water intake hose. What you see on the end of the hose is part of the power steering cooler or maybe the engine oil cooler. You are correct, it's not a good thing. I'm thinking you might want to pressure test the cooling system because there might be more problems due to freeze damage.

 

[baldwinjim]

Great!

Is there any hope that I can fix it our do I just take it to a mechanic and pay the price?

 

[muc]

There is always hope ---- until there isn't.
Sorry but I can't answer your question. I have worked with a few "marine mechanics" that this would be a job where they just keep replacing parts as they find the bad ones --- and that usually works as long as you don't have a cracked block. Most mechanics would pressure test the system to find the extent of the problem. Do you have a pressure tester and the knowledge to use it?

 

[baldwinjim]

I don't have a pressure tester. So, you are exactly right, it is the power steering cooler. I can see it, but it is under the engine and I don't see anyway to get to it. So, now I need to find a good mechanic and take on a part time job to pay for the repair. LOL. It's just money, right?

 

[baldwinjim]

Hey muc,

Thanks for your help!