Omc I/o?

[jasonneal]

Could someone help me identify this I/O. I have read on this forum that OMC no longer makes I/O's and that what once was OMC is now Volvo. Is this particular motor part OMC and part Volvo or all OMC. I believe the year is 1993 on this motor. Is this motor one to stay away from or is it okay. I know a lot depends on how it was maintained and treated but does this motor have any definite flaws or drawbacks? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[wvwarlock]

Re: Omc I/o?

how about pictures, engine size, model numbers etc for identifying it. you did not give enough info

 

[jasonneal]

Re: Omc I/o?

Wow, I wondered why I had no replies. I have pics just forgot to attach them. I will put them on here when I get home.

 

[jasonneal]

Re: Omc I/o?

Here are two pics, and I think its a 93 model.

 

[Don S]

Re: Omc I/o?

It's all OMC, including the outdrive.
The engine itself is a 5.0L Ford engine (302). Most engine and drive parts are available as aftermarket parts, or Ford motor parts. Volvo didn't start the joint venture till 94, and finally bought out OMC completely in 98.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Omc I/o?

Yep that would be the last of the pure OMC design Cobras. I'd make sure you can find a shop that would work on it, the shift cable adjustment can be tricky and Merc only mechanics may not know how to adjust it correctly. Most parts are still available but there are some items that are getting to be hard to find, for example on the later Cobras the electronic ignition system parts may not be available. If it has a regular points and condenser distrubutor then it's a non issue. They work well when they are set up right. Do a search for the Stuart Hastings Cobra website, he has a lot of good information on the Cobra and how to avoid problems with them.

 

[jasonneal]

Re: Omc I/o?

Thank you guys for the info. When you say Ford 302, do you mean the same motor they were putting in the Ford trucks or the marine equivelant? Any big common problems with this motor? Thanks again.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Omc I/o?

Yep it's the marine version of the same motor that was used in millions of Mustangs, Broncos, LTDs, etc. No unusual problems that I ever heard of. The main thing is you have an OMC here with a Ford engine, and many mechanics are not that familiar with this system. If you can't get good local service it's a risky venture.
The Cobra itself is fine when adjusted properly. I have a 20 year old one on my boat, used in salt water for at least 8 seasons, that still shifts well and has needed some repairs but not a lot for a 20 year old drive system. But I would not advise someone to buy one now, 15 years after the last pure OMC was made and 8 years after OMC went bankrupt.