Cobra Water Pump Question

[Wingnut1728]

Longtime viewer, first time contributor! Hey guys, great web site!!<br /><br />I have had a problem with my 1988, 4.3L Merc's temp going up to 200 degrees while putzin' around. When I notice it, I stop, go to netural, rev the engine and the temp drops back to 160 immediately. And this happens one time each cruise aournd hte lake. On the last trip this year to the marina to pull the boat for the season my temp went to ~205-210 degrees and pretty much stayed there. (Made me nervious, I proceeded) About 300 yards out from the marina my temps went to 230 and yes I had steam rolling around in the cabin. When I lifted the engine cover I heard snap-crackle-popping. What is that about??? I landed the boat and got it trailered. Needless to say I was NOT in a good mood....<br /><br />Once at home I pulled the thermostat, it looks good, but I bought another one. I pulled the water recirc pump (engine water pump), it looks good too. I decided the water pump in the lower unit must have died. I ordered the Cobra water pump kit to repair it. But no kits to be had locally and the local marina cannot say when they will get a kit in. My question is this: I have an OMC part number of 984461. That number does not cross over to the Sierra catalog. However I found Sierra PN: 18-3286 here on the web site parts search which looks like it might work. Could the Sierra kit be the correct kit I need???<br /><br />Thanks for all the past, present and future help!<br />Gene

 

[Lou C]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

Have you tried an OMC dealer, they can usually get those kits pretty easily. I did the impeller on my old Cobra and it is a pretty easy job, but you really should do the whole thing, wear plates, housing, etc.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

Ok...I'm confused, is this a Merc or a Cobra. I don't think the impellars are interchangable.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

No totally different, Merc is in lower unit on the Alpha drive, Cobra is in the rear of the upper unit, under that plastic cover.

 

[Wingnut1728]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

Sorry for the confusion...its a Cobra, 4.3L. None of the OMC dealers in my area have a rebuild kit in stock. I have one on order but the dealer has no idea when it will come in. It has been two weeks now and I need to move the boat out of my driveway...(neighborhood rule thing!) The dealer gave me the part number I listed in my original post. Is there some place on-line I can order the rebuild kit??? Is the Sierra kit I found here on this site the right kit for my application???<br /><br />I know it should be easy to change since it is in the upper unit. I'd rather not tear it apart until I have the kit in hand.<br /><br />Thanks for all the resonses.<br />Geno

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

Try Doug Russell's at this link, you want item # 68 Cobra water pump kit

 

[Wingnut1728]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

To Boatin Bob,<br /><br />Just what I was looking for. Thanks! I ordered the kit. Hopefully it will arrive before the snow flys...<br /><br />Geno

 

[pra100]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

To late now beings you ordered it but you can get the whole thing from napa.That is where I get mine from.

 

[Wingnut1728]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

Napa eh? At my local marina, it did not cross over. Do you have a part number for the kit??<br />Thanks,<br />Gene

 

[JKEP44]

Re: Cobra Water Pump Question

I have a cobra also and ran into the same probs. This website will make all your part ordering stupid easy and thier prices are decent as well. <br /><br /> http://www.sterndrive.info/index.html