1988 OMC Cobra basics- total newbie

[artcollinsjr]

I picked up a 21' 1988 Glasstream Free spirit with a 350 and the OMC Cobra outdrive. It needs paint and TLC. I have bounced around looking for details on how the outdrive works, as I have only worked on outboards previously. I will be cleaning up the engine area (belts and connections), My question is what turns the unit and what tilts it. The rams on each side of the outdrive obviously do one or both. As of now the tilt only clicked when I tried the switch, and I haven't started the motor since I got the boat early winter, winterized.
Thanks for the info in advance.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... The drive is turned by the steerin' cable to the tiller arm connection at the transom, inside the hull,....

The trim cylinders lift, 'n lower the drive, by the electric hyd. pump mounted at the transom, inside the hull,.....

 

[artcollinsjr]

Thx Bondo.

 

[Gilded_Splinters]

Once you get it in the water, watch (or listen) for the following things:

If it makes a ratcheting sound going into or out of gear or doesns't always go into gear at all, you have the common lower shift cable concerns. This can also be simply that your idle is too high. Mine shift great and silently, but I strive to tune my engines so that they idle on the lower end of the spec. 500 to 550 RPM in gear.

If you have 700 or more in neutral, don't expect smooth shifting.

Pay close attention to instructions about how to re-fill your out drive annually and which plugs NOT to remove. There are plenty of threads here on all of these subjects.

Find a mechanic that really gets these things, not just someone who says he does, and get an OEM shop manual ASAP.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Splinters pointed out one of the important things!!!
The fill and drain plugs and the plugs NOT to take out.
Filling the oil wrong can cost you a drive.

 

[artcollinsjr]

New issues which I may find in a search but...
1) Power tilt. Motor runs when up or down switch is pressed. The outdrive moved up but not down, and now it motor runs but it will not go in either direction.
The outdrive moves (pistons compress ) a little if you push down on it.
2) What is the 3rd solenoid up near the distributor for? I R&r'd the 2 power tilt solenoids, now I see one in the back.
Other fun stuff- removed frozen steering cable
- No feed voltage to tilt solenoids. Went to remove the cable from the starter solenoid and the phrenolic just broke and fell apart. I am hoping to have it rebuilt.

 

[jerryjerry05]

The tilt rams need lubrication.
The oil in the reservoir is empty?
The 3rd solenoid is probably for the starter.
OMC thought they needed redundant systems.(only more stuff that can go bad)
There might be another power lead lost in the back??
How many leads on the battery?
Pics?

 

[artcollinsjr]

I will add hydraulic fluid to the pump as soon as I get some. 3 leads to the starter "food" terminal, one to the batt., 1 to the 2 tilt solenoids, 1 to the 3rd solenoid (maybe a key on, power boat?). Pics forthcoming

 

[jerryjerry05]

The Trim should work if the key is off.