Is it a Cobra

[system-f]

We might be looking at a 1994 Four Winns boat. I know that this was the year when the cobra drive was actually a volvo SX drive, but how can I tell by looking at it? The Ad lists the boat as having a cobra drive and I am pretty sure it comes with a Ford 302 (thought it maybe a Chevy 305).

If this thing does have the Ford 302 should I run? I can already say if it does in fact have the cobra drive I will turn and walk the other way.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is it a Cobra

You need to get the model number or post a picture of the drive.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Is it a Cobra

It could be either a pure OMC dog clutch, or a joint venture OMC/Volvo, the pure OMC dog clutches were flat across the top, the joint ventures had a hump on the top like a Volvo SX, check the #as noted......

 

[system-f]

Re: Is it a Cobra

I am assuming the OMC/Volvo drive did not have the issues the cobra had with improperly adjusted shift cables killing the gears. Is the OMC/Volvo even a dog clutch? or cone?

Thanks we are suppose to go see it Saturday and there is a slim chance this is a boat my family sold many years ago..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is it a Cobra

If its the joint venture drive, its a cone.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Is it a Cobra

the joint venture drive was a cone clutch same as the Volvo sx....
the OMC Cobra 86-93 is the one with the dog clutch and they had problems with the cables in the first few years. Once the problems were worked out, they were fine, mine shifts very well and has the same cable on it for close to 10 years, I keep the drive down as much as possible which helps keep the cable from wearing out. I would not buy a dog clutch pure OMC at this time since parts and service are getting harder to find....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Is it a Cobra

If this thing does have the Ford 302 should I run? I can already say if it does in fact have the cobra drive I will turn and walk the other way.

There's other things you should consider too.....

If it is truly a '94 model, and has fuel injection or electronic ignition (Spitfire ign) RUN VERY FAST!

There are certain "show-stopper" parts that are not available at any price...... (5.8L)

If it actually is a 302 Ford, they're ok.........but the dist prats are getting scarce but you can replace the dist with a suitable after market (MSD, Mallory etc)

For my money,


If it has OMC anywhere in the name from about 97 or earlier, I look elsewhere...... Actually allow me to rephrase that.............if it's OMC anywhere in the name I look elsewhere.


In this market, there are too many good deals out there on newer Volvo and Mercruiser powered boats to look at any used boat with a power train from a company that is GONE and never coming back!


ymmv......


Rick

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Is it a Cobra

looking for a good deal OMC is not a bad brand the drives are still every bit as good as mercruisers or volvo. sure some parts have gone off market but up here in michigan i'd say better then half the poeple at the ramp have an OMC pre-volvo.
all i will say is buying a brand out of date the prices seem to be better next to mercruisers that sell for 2-4k more with twice the hours.

not quite sure why poeple are against fords and OMC, basic parts are widely available impellor, filters, gaskets, wires/plugs, starters, carbs, upper/lower units, gears, ect... the only parts i think that are getting scarce are exhust manafolds and i know anything having to do with king cobra. also i've never had a shop turn me away when i tell them i need something done.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Is it a Cobra

looking for a good deal OMC is not a bad brand the drives are still every bit as good as mercruisers or volvo. sure some parts have gone off market but up here in michigan i'd say better then half the poeple at the ramp have an OMC pre-volvo.
all i will say is buying a brand out of date the prices seem to be better next to mercruisers that sell for 2-4k more with twice the hours.

not quite sure why poeple are against fords and OMC, basic parts are widely available impellor, filters, gaskets, wires/plugs, starters, carbs, upper/lower units, gears, ect... the only parts i think that are getting scarce are exhust manafolds and i know anything having to do with king cobra. also i've never had a shop turn me away when i tell them i need something done.

You're quite right for most in your area. There are places around the country that will NOT touch a Cobra anymore (and many have no people who know what to do with one)

Your point is well taken and should be of help to someone who still has an OMC anything (Cobra or otherwise)


I would still suggest that a person buying a boat for the first time and/or not planning to do all their own work, stay away from OMC.

The company is gone. The parts and service availability can only get WORSE..... It will never get better.

Four Winns is based in Cadillac, MI. They were CLOSELY tied to OMC in the 80's and sold thousands of OMC powered boats as did Bayliner.

It would make sense that you would find LOTS of dealers in MI still "doing" OMC because it's still profitable.

That's not the case in other parts of the country.

all i will say is buying a brand out of date the prices seem to be better next to mercruisers that sell for 2-4k more with twice the hours.

It's fine until it breaks and you cannot find that "show-stopper" part or you have replace it with an imported substandard part.........then the "savings" difference is not all that much.

Have a problem more than 1 or 2 times and there's no savings at all........

There's an old saying....."Pay now or Pay later"


Good luck. (although I think "luck" has nothing to do with it!)


Regards,


Rick