Omc Cobra 350 Question

[benjohnson1158]

Hello, I recently discovered that i had a crack due to freezing in the lower part of my motor block. I have an '88 OMC king cobra 350 and was wondering if the best route to take would be to just replace the whole block?? Does anyone have any input or know where i could get a cheap motor?? thank you

 

[JustJason]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

yep you need to replace the block. If its cracked on the side it's also probably cracked in the lifter valley, under the intake manifold.
Your gonna wanna check your exhaust manifolds to. If ya didn't drain your block i doubt you drained the manifolds... and they're gonna be junk too.
The motor will be cheap enough to get anywhere.... those manifolds are a different story. If you really really really want to keep the boat, you may want to think about converting it to a mer or a vp.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Howdy,

Welcome to iBoats.

You can easily replace your engine fairly cheaply with a wrecking yard (carb'ed, truck) 350. Just ensure that you replace the soft plugs with brass, and check that the marine flywheel will fit.....just swap all your marine "stuff" over to the "new" engine.

Otherwise you could buy a complete long block from one of the Marine engine rebuilders or go to a local reputable machine shop.

Cheers,

Rick

Oh....I guess I shoud'a said what I did !

I ripped ALL the Wonderful High tech OMC King Cobra "stuff" from my 1987 FourWinns Liberator and installed a 97 454 Bravo III That's your "other " option" !!

 

[benjohnson1158]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Would it be tough to convert it to a merc?? Is everything pretty compatable or would i need to get additional parts?? As it stands right now, i think i need just the block, i checked the manifolds and theyre both fine. i've looked online and can't really find anyone that sells the block i need. Any ideas??? thanks

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Well,

you would keep your steering wheel.

everything else would have to go!

The good thing is the bolt holes are the same see my before and after pictures.

BEFORE: King Cobra,

AFTER: Merc Bravo

I did have to drill a couple extra holes for the Bravo.

Would it be tough to convert it to a merc?? Is everything pretty compatable or would i need to get additional parts?? As it stands right now, i think i need just the block, i checked the manifolds and theyre both fine. i've looked online and can't really find anyone that sells the block i need. Any ideas??? thanks

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Now, having said all that if I just wanted to get it back running I would probably just find a good used junk-yard 350 truck engine and replace it. If you have to find new manifolds/risers, it's gonna get a bit more expensive.

manifolds from eBasicpower About $500 + shipping

If you wanted to do a Merc/Volvo swap you'd probably need to find yourself a damaged "donor" boat.

I bought my engine/drive/controls/harness/cables/etc/etc from a Wind damaged boat in craigslist. (A tree fell on it!!)

 

[benjohnson1158]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Yea, thats awesome! the before pic looks familiar (i have an 88 FW liberator 201 haha) I'm actually looking to sell it so i just want to get it running without dropping a whole lot of money into it. I think i'll just buy a new block and replace it myself. My friend has an electric lift so im thinking it shouldn't take us a long time to do. do you know if there is anything else(additional parts) i need to buy to do this???

 

[benjohnson1158]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

the manifolds and risers are both fine.

 

[benjohnson1158]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

if i just bought a 350 truck engine block that would work fine?? it doesn't need to be a marine motor or are they the same??

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Mine had a cracked block in it's history too! My brother bought the boat new and left it outside in Northern Ca in the early 90's during a freeze. (You don't need to winterize in Calif you know )

His insurance paid for it When I got it I though everything was just FINE! long story -short, the engine (a 460) had a flat cam and needed rebuilding. Try finding a coupler and manifolds for an OMC 460. I sold the engine to a guy to put in his truck. The rest of the King Cobra stuff is still sitting on the shop floor.....If I ever "get off center" I'll post all that stuff on ebay or something!

You need an OMC service manual.

You'll probably need manifolds if they're also cracked (they usually do if the block cracks unless they were drained keep your fingers crossed!!)


A truck engine usually has a camshaft similar enough to a marine can that it will "work"

 

[benjohnson1158]

Re: Omc Cobra 350 Question

Alright cool, thank you for your help!