1987 OMC Cobra 3.0L (Bayliner Capri 19')

[Blue Fin Tuna]

Hello, I am new here and could use some advice. I have a 1987 OMC Cobra 3.0L I just purchased with the following 2 issues:

1. Loud clanking/rattling sound from outdrive at top end of throttle. When it occurs it seems to have a loss of power, but not rpm's. Similar to having kelp wrapped around the prop but with a loud noise. It runs just great low to med-high speed and no noise.
2. Reverse shift issue - Sometimes very difficult to get into reverse and sometimes reverse works ok. I have noticed there is also a moderate clunking sound when engaging forward and reverse gear. So from I have been trying to education myself on so far is it may be: ESA, U-Joint, Gimble Bearing, Lower Shift Cable, or Shift cable adjustment, or even possibly a combo. Am I even getting warm yet.? I have never worked on an outdrive but have done a lot of auto mechanics.

Thanks for any advice! I am trying to get her ready for Lake Powell in Arizona on 8/1/20.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... Is the drive full of oil,..??

 

[Blue Fin Tuna]

Well I haven't checked that yet myself but the the guy I bought it from said he just changed the lube. I will definitely check it for myself. I have only taken here on the bay 2 times and am already looking to work on it. Oh well, got a good price on it. Will the gear oil effect both the shifting and clanking/rattling issue?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Your 34 year old drive and motor will need a lot of maintenance prior to you using the boat

Shift cable adjustment is first place to look at for shift issues. You will need a factory manual

Start diagnosing the drive

 

[Blue Fin Tuna]

I will do that. Waiting on the manual now and am planning on removing the drive and replacing gimble bearing and seal and all bellows and inspecting u-joints. Also working with the shift cable adjustment and lower shift cable inspection. The motor itself has already had much work done to it. Thanks for all the help. It's gonna be fun!