Which drive is this, what to look for?

ajax5240

ajax5240

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I know Bondo, I am a glutton for punishment. Been running my Bayliner with a leaky transom lightly for trolling and fishing. Here in colorado the lakes are relatively small so the risk is a little lower. Got some ultra goop on it that is holding it water tight for now. Looking to get onto a new project.

Can pick up a 88 VIP 18'er pretty cheap, and wouldn't reach for the wallet till I spend a hour or better on the lake with it.

The question is, what kind of drive is this? Is it one to run far and fast from or something I can work with. I was an auto tech so gears and wires don't scare me, lots of money hurts though. Supposedly is a Chevy 4.3 mated to this. Power trim and power steering are two things I don't currently have and the boat is 2 years newer than mine, 2 more cylinders, and a nicer trailer. I can probably buy this, sell mine cheap, have $1500 leftover for repairs and take the wife to a nice dinner for putting up with me.

If I am correct I should look for a newer red shift cable, look at the transom bolts and maybe sneak a pic in there. Check bellows, fluids etc. on the lake hold at cruising rpm for extended period and equally important for me check trolling speed for a while. Watch temps and feel for shifting smooth and holding in gear.

Thoughts?

Thanks as always for your advice.
 

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Don S

Don S

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Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

The question is, what kind of drive is this? Is it one to run far and fast from or something I can work with.
Click to expand...
It's an OMC Cobra for sure.
OMC went out of business in 98, they no longer exist. Parts are available for it, but mostly aftermarket. Techs are getting harder to find, and none being trained.
That red shift cable thing was from 25 years ago, and before your model came out.

I doubt the owner is going to allow you to pull the outdrive and inspect the bellows, and as Maclin stated DO NOT remove the plug on the PORT side of the gear housing.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/omc-information-334348.html
 
ajax5240

ajax5240

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Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

What is this mystery bolt that seems to end the world when removed?
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

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18,087
Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

On the side of the upper is a Cobra sticker.
Under that is a big slotted screw head.
It's a casting plug,OMC sthought NO-ONE would ever look under the sticker or that the glue would come unstuck.
They were so convinced nobody would find the screw they didin't include it in any parts diagrams.
The screw is in a place that people look at it and just HAVE to undo it(don't)
It has a rubber seal and a rectangular piece on the inside.
If you do undo it?? Then you need to take the drive off and find the piece and put it back on.PITA!!

Now to BUYING?? The drive is WAY over designed,like Don said,not many want or can work on them.
Still can get parts all over.
Check the oil in the drive and motor.
Get a marine mechanic to look it over.
 
H

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

Supposedly is a Chevy 4.3 mated to this. Power trim and power steering are two things I don't currently have and the boat is 2 years newer than mine, 2 more cylinders, and a nicer trailer. I can probably buy this, sell mine cheap, have $1500 leftover for repairs and take the wife to a nice dinner for putting up with me.
Click to expand...
Your description makes me want to ask what you have now, and what could you find that is a little newer bigger etc, for an additional $1500 with an engine and drive manufactured by a company that IS still in existence?

I did nearly the same thing and was able to swap the entire OMC mess for a Mercruiser "mess".

Most cannot do that economically and you might end up with a money "hog".

Been running my Bayliner with a leaky transom lightly for trolling and fishing. Here in colorado the lakes are relatively small so the risk is a little lower.
Click to expand...

Since you're in an area where water freezes, I would want to KNOW the engine block is not cracked etc.

Also, if I was mostly fishing and trolling on 'small' lakes, I would consider a newer boat with any manufacturer (4-stroke) outboard over ANY OMC Cobra.

Cheers,


Rick
 
ajax5240

ajax5240

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Messages
134
Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

Thanks for the replies. What I have now is a 84 16' Capri with the 4cyl Volvo aq125 and the 270 drive. The boat with the OMC is a 88 and is 18'.

I would love to have a nice 4 stroke outboard and a 19' Lund attached to it. Ahhhh the things I dream of.
 
D

duane.mosley

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
28
Re: Which drive is this, what to look for?

jerryjerry05 said:
On the side of the upper is a Cobra sticker.
Under that is a big slotted screw head.
It's a casting plug,OMC sthought NO-ONE would ever look under the sticker or that the glue would come unstuck.
They were so convinced nobody would find the screw they didin't include it in any parts diagrams.
The screw is in a place that people look at it and just HAVE to undo it(don't)
It has a rubber seal and a rectangular piece on the inside.
If you do undo it?? Then you need to take the drive off and find the piece and put it back on.PITA!!

Now to BUYING?? The drive is WAY over designed,like Don said,not many want or can work on them.
Still can get parts all over.
Check the oil in the drive and motor.
Get a marine mechanic to look it over.
Click to expand...


since this plug isn't on any parts diagrams, how do you locate a new one? sad part is, i put my drive all back together, passed vacuum and pressure tests, filled with gear oil and started the motor. of course water squirting out of the side was a dead give away that something was missing! no where in the omc manual did it even mention this plug. any help is appreciated.

thanks
duane
 
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