Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

[bearisle]

Help!! 1989 27' bayliner w/351 has gone thru 3 outdrives in the last 2 seasons. Is there any replacement options (volvo, etc.)? Does this unit have a history of major troubles? Are the gears too light duty for the boat?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

Problem is probably the gears. Not sure you can get OEM gears anymore. Some of the aftermarket gears are crap. Depends on who's gears the rebuilder uses. I'll bet you'd like to know who makes good and bad gears. Me too. Any opinions to add to your replies, Gentlemen?

 

[bearisle]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

It is actually a friend's boat and he said that the first set of replacement gears did not have any #'s stamped on them. The most recent set did have #'s and appeared more heavy duty. He is now hearing noises back there again. He checked for any metal shavings and found none.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

You need some one who knows the drives. Where are you located. I've got a local guru who gets OMC's shipped in for repair from all over the country.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

bear, Lookie here:<br /> http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[Lou C]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

I have a good shop here in NY to service mine, and they use all OE parts for just about everything.<br />If you cannot get good repair/service on an OMC where you are, you can do the Volvo conversion, but it is pricey, since you are buying a whole new drive. The pivot housing on the transom shield also has to be changed, and a Volvo style impeller has to be added to the engine.

 

[supermottl]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

Hey Lou, <br />Who do you use? I'm on LI as well. I think I'm due for a cable adjustment. Thanks.

 

[bearisle]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

Thanks for everyone's input. Boat's in Wisconsin.<br /><br />Blk-n-Blu....That was quite the informative link. Thank you! Sounds like this has been pretty widespread. Could not activate the link to your follow up letter to Trailer Boats mag (everything else linked fine)

 

[Lou C]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

supermottl<br />I use Snug Harbor Marine over in Northport.<br />They got my Cobra running and shifting right and I am going to bring it to them before each season so all that stuff can be gone through. Excellent service and advice too!!<br />What happens with the older style Cobra is that eventually salt gets packed in the cavity where the bellcrank is and has to be cleaned out. The cable adjustment needs to be checked as do the u-joints, gimble bearing and bellows.<br />The other stuff I do myself.

 

[supermottl]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

Thanks again Lou<br />(off topic)And as a follow up Lou, - took my piece out for a spin last night and temp stayed at or a hair above 140, and RPMs and power seems great. I had cleaned the cap and wire connections. I'm very happy I was able to fix the problem myself. Almost bought a new $200 raw water pump for nothing...

 

[Lou C]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

Hey good for you it is always satisfying when you can do it yourself. I see the Volvo style pumps are more $$ to change, the one in my older style Cobra was lots cheaper, and an easy job since it is in the rear of the upper gearcase.<br />Your temp sounds fine.<br />Does yours have points n condenser or electronic?<br />I have the old points n condenser system, I had not seen one of those since my 1972 Chevy Impala with the 350 cu in small block!

 

[supermottl]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

It's got points I'm pretty sure. I wanna stick in a Petronix Ign. when I get the dough - I've heard great things from them. I wanna get rid of the points ever since my old man had problems with them on his little 120 merc. Still running good though......<br />happy thursday

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

bear, here is that link to the cobra letter you couldn't open.<br /> http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/tb.x

 

[Lou C]

Re: Continuous gear problems with cobra outdrive

If you do the Petronix, you have to see if your Cobra uses the ESA system (electronic shift assist) which cuts the idle down to make it easier to shift out of gear. If so there is some circuit you have to make up and wire it (this may be on Petronix's website). If it does not have the ESA then it is probably an easy job. For now I will stick with points, you change once a year just like the cars of the 60s and 70s I learned on.