89 OMC Cobra 120hp weaknesses???

[daydreamer1252]

Looking at a used boat with the above power system. What weaknesses are there in the OMC/Cobra system that I should be aware of and be looking for? I am an accomplished general mechanic but know nothing "specific" about the OMC/Cobra units.

Also. it seems that I remember OMC touting the fact that the Cobra and Mercruiser used common transom holes and mountings. Is that real? If necessary is a swap a "relatively" easy operation?

Thanks for all the help in advance.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 89 OMC Cobra 120hp weaknesses???

OMC stands for "Out of business Marine Corporation".

The Cobra is not a bad drive. It has its quirks but I wouldn't buy one because of eventual parts availability and service availability problems.

 

[Don S]

Re: 89 OMC Cobra 120hp weaknesses???

The biggest "Weakness" is that OMC went out of buisness about 10 years ago.
No new OEM parts, or manuals, or techs with the schooling and special tools to work on the drives. Then engines are Chevy or Ford. But a lot of the accessories are OMC. (Like the ESA system).

Hastings Information link. Last updated 2003
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/index.html

 

[Bondo]

Re: 89 OMC Cobra 120hp weaknesses???

Ayuh,...... Do yourself a Favor,......

Keep Looking,......
Til you find a boat powered by Mercruiser or Volvo,....
With a Chevy motor.......