91 Omc cobra

Hilltopmike

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Jul 11, 2022
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5
Okay I’ll make this as short as possible. Found out my 5.0 cobra had a missing casting plug(freeze plug) found out the hard way when the bilge was full of water. Now I know my starter took a swim but is still operational. Took the boat out started it decided I didn’t feel comfortable with getting stranded that day due to a difficult couple of starts. Clean up some rusted wire connectors and put them back into place. My starter engages fine but the motor acts like it is stuck. Tried to fire it again and notice when the starter engages the steering wheel turns to the right on its own. The boat it equipped with a power steering pump. Just wanted to see if anyone has any ideas what this could be. I’m going to get the starter rebuilt due to er being submerged. Any help is highly appreciated
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Core plugs do not fall out. They usually get pushed out when the block cracks due to freeze damage
 

Hilltopmike

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Jul 11, 2022
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yes I understand that. Block is not cracked. I replaced that plug pressure checks are fine block isn’t cracked. Ran the boat at full speed for hours until this issue popped up now. I do have a theory after thinking about what it could be I’m going to give it a try today. I’m thinking my power steering pump took a crap I’ll disconnect the pulley and see if it makes a difference.
 

Bondo

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yes I understand that. Block is not cracked. I replaced that plug pressure checks are fine block isn’t cracked. Ran the boat at full speed for hours until this issue popped up now. I do have a theory after thinking about what it could be I’m going to give it a try today. I’m thinking my power steering pump took a crap I’ll disconnect the pulley and see if it makes a difference.
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... Go ahead, 'n test yer theory, if it works, Great,....
If not, pull the plugs, 'n look for evidence of water in the cylinders,....

Btw,.... Hours at Wot is fairly abusive,....
Yer motor will last 1,000s of hours at 75/ 80%, but not so much at Wot,....
 

Hilltopmike

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Jul 11, 2022
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thanks for the reply’s I’ll update later today after my test.

I exaggerated a bit I run it wot sometimes but not for hours. 😄
 

Hilltopmike

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Jul 11, 2022
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5
Okay so come to find out with the belt on the power steering pump the boat will not start. I took the belt off of it and she fired right up. The pump is locked up and wasn’t allowing the main pully to spin freely. Now off to the internet to find a new power steering pump!
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,254
Okay so come to find out with the belt on the power steering pump the boat will not start. I took the belt off of it and she fired right up. The pump is locked up and wasn’t allowing the main pully to spin freely. Now off to the internet to find a new power steering pump!
GM Saginaw truck pump. New pump cartridge is $35
 
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