Filled my 89 OMC Cobra out-drive from the bottom - what next?

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Mr_Mike_2

Recruit
Joined
Sep 3, 2017
Messages
4
I just decided to change my fluid myself. It was a little milky and I was advised to replace the O-rings on the filler-plugs, so I went down to the local MARINE SERVICE place, and they told me "fill from the bottom", which I just did. Not until AFTER that did I find threads and posts here to fill from the MIDDLE for OMC Cobras (as well as a copy of the OMC Service manual page), as filling from the bottom can leave a drive-destroying air cavity.
So, I put darn near 64 OZ in (stated capacity, was just starting my 3rd 32-oz bottle) so I think I have enough. It's at the right mark on the dipstick.
I HAVE NOT YET RUN THE MOTOR.
What should I do, idle it on the trailer, put in gear for a few seconds, wait a day for things to settle, then check fluid, repeat if necessary? I have time, not racing to put it in the water - would like to ensure I have the correct level of fluid first before running it.
Thanks!
 
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hugh g

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 21, 2002
Messages
225
I wouldn't run it & if it was me I'd drain the oil & start over filling from the middle plug. Better safe then sorry. If you drain it into a clean containor you can reuse the oil.

A lot of mechanics don't kmow OMC drives because they want belly up over 20 years ago. A lot of shops won't touch them.
 
S

shimano

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
141
If you put in the recommended amount of oil and the stick says full I wouldn't worry about it.
 
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hugh g

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 21, 2002
Messages
225
shimano said:
If you put in the recommended amount of oil and the stick says full I wouldn't worry about it.
Click to expand...
Not if he filled it from the bottom plug. Ask other guys who filled their Cobra drive from the bottom & how long it lasted. He's getting an inaccurate reading on the dipstick because he filled it from the bottom not the middle plug which is spelled out in the actual OMC shop manuel. The tech who told him to fill it from the bottom didn't know what he was talking about. It's not a Mercruiser. My advice to start over still stands. Gearsets ain't cheap.
 
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shimano

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
141
If it calls for 1890 cc,and that's what you put in and stick says it's full.is it not full??
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,071
It HAS to be filled from the side of the drive.
If not there's an air passage that doesn't get oil when filled from the bottom.
Turn the motor over and the drive is short about a pint of oil.
Then the top gearset self destructs and you looking to buy a new none :(
Try U-tube or get a manual.
Your library has some manuals get the right one..
 
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