OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

[Carsten]

I am buying an old 1989 Sunbird Eurosport Series 1 - The boat looks in mint conditions, having the age in mind - The seller said that he resently got a new universal joint installed, and claims that ever since the shifting in gear seams to be staining the engine so much that it often stalls.
The dealership that did the repair just went out of business, so it's impossible to get them to take a look (or warranty their repair). The seller says that he expect that the universal joint is installed way too tight - and it should not be a major problem to fix. Does that make sense? and if so what is the recommendations to fix it.

I am buying the boats very cheap - so even though a new lower/upper unit replacement is nessesary - it's still a good deal.

Also the seller thinks the OMC 4.3 Cobra is a 135HP - but looking at the net it seams to be a 175HP - please verify.

Thanks for any help

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

The u-joints are always spinning...even when the boat is in neutral...so that is not the problem.

It is probably a lower shift cable out of adjustment(or failing) or ESA out of adjustment.

 

[Darkhorse1201]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

I have a 1992 Sunbird Corsair with a 4.3 OMC in it and from the sounds of what you describe I woulld think that is the ESA (shift interupt linkage) out of adjustment. And yes its 175 hp.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

You are probably going to want to read this information.

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/index.html

 

[Carsten]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

Many thanks for the hint of possible adjustment problems with:

The Lower Shift cable.

The ESA

Yes I have been reading Stuart Hastings webpages - great information!

However I do not dare to do any of these adjustments/repairs myself - So can anyone give a very rough ballpark of what a OMC capable service place whould charge for some of the mentioned work - I know its a difficult question - but I would appreciate any estimated repair costs

Thanks again

 

[Rob454]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

However I do not dare to do any of these adjustments/repairs myself -

Why? I did mine myself and it turned out just fine. a shop will charge you abotu 200-350$ depending on whether or not they know what the hell theire doing. the first two shops had no fing clue what they were doing. one tried to BS me and tell me that it was my motor that it wouldnt let me shift. I flat out told the guy hes a fing liar in front of about 6 customers. i hitched my boat and refused to pay him for work that wasnt done. He didnt even try to adjsut the lower end of the cable all he did was try to adjsut the upper part in turn stripping the threads and basiclaly jacking the whole thing up
I dotn let anyone touch my boat anymore. Most of the marine mechanics in my area are morons. Its never anythign they did.
Rob

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

If you can find a shop that will work on it,that will be the hard part.
You can figure at least 75 an hour...
The best thing you could do is buy a real OMC factory service manual. It steps you through the adjustments with good pictures also.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

Sorry about the part of your post that says "I am buying". I realize you only have three posts here,so you are new.WELCOME.

Best advice I can give at this point is look around about OMC ,COBRA ,and STRINGER DRIVE.

DHP

 

[Dakota47]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

I just had my lower/upper Shift cables & interupter switch plus throttle cable & tune-up & impeller & thermostat changed at Island lake marine in Fort Collins Colorado. There service manager Was Very aware of the Problems With the cobra shift cables. They have been selling rinker boats for ever so i got my boat back and it shifts now with one finger, They did a awsome job, yea it cost $1,200 total but well woth it since my boat is in mint condition 1987 Rinker V-180(omc 4.3 cobra v-6) runabout. so if your near colorado i sugest giving them a call 970-225-6666. they now how to work on cobra`s .( they have done many) service manager was all over the problem`s & got them fixed in 10 days. Great service. no i dont work there just a happy coustmer.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

Oh yea , a oil change and gear lube change was included in that price also. and when i say tune up i ment it, they replaced everything (spark plugs & plug wires, dist-cap, rotor, points. set dwell & idle speed)

 

[Carsten]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

Wow there is a lot of engouragement to "do it yourselves"!

I am handy, but have no motor mechanical experience except for changing oil, oil filter, replace spackplugs & change a tire.

I will get the OMC Repair Manuals is the Seloc OK?

Also do you need special tools/equipment?

Is the repair manual for the layman like me - I know I can save alot of $, but if I screw up something, it might cost me much more than I try to save.

I do know about a local mechanic/dealership that accually sold this boat in 1989 and have done supposedly great service on Sunbirds - I should call them too.



Thanks again for the great help/advice.

FYI I am located in down east Maine

 

[Carsten]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra (1989) -Universal Joint problem?

3 more questions:

For my 1989 19' Sunbird Eurosport bowrider (OMC 4.3 Cobra)- I need:

• A trailer
  
• New Vinyl upholstery (seat, sun deck ect.)
  
• New snap on canvas covers (front,bimini,back)

Any expect suggestions/advice on that?

Thanks again!