Manuals Cont. Jack L and DonWon

[JKEP44]

Hey thanks for the help donwon. Jack, I am actually looking for preventative maintenence for a boat that has been sitting for about two years. So far, I have done a lot of engine stuff (oil, filter, plugs, break free in cylinders, turns over easily now, cleaned out 55gal of old fuel, ect) but now I am wondering about the drive before I fire it up. I took the water pump out and as expected it was toast. The thing that really scares me is a couple of the rubber fins are now M.I.A., and we both know that they went somewhere. I am also concerned about a filter or screen that the parts diagram shows in between the upper and lower. Is this part of the water system? I removed the upper cover plate and saw no oil on what would be (to me) the ring and pinion gear. I notice that there is a check/fill plug and what looks like a dip stick from the top. Basically anything that you think might be wrong I would like to take a look at even if it means complete disasembly. I repair manual transmissions often so with the book I am not scared to do this unless there are components I am not aware of. Don't hold anything back! Thanks Kep

 

[jlinder]

Re: Manuals Cont. Jack L and DonWon

KEP,<br /><br />There are people on this board a lot more knowledgeable than I am on this, but here are a couple of items:<br /><br />1. You mentioned the water pump and rubber fins. Are you talking about the impeller located on the drive (under the upper cover)?. If so, I would definatly want to find the broken fins and remove them before they cause real trouble. Maybe Don S. could give you some pointers on where the likely spot is for them to get trapped (if there is one). <br /><br />2. Water separater - located in the front down low. Probably want to change this.<br /><br />3. Spart arrester. In place of the air cleaner. Make sure it is clean.<br /><br />4. Drive fluid - Sounds like you checked it (the big screw on the top of the drive with a short dip stick). You might want to change the fluid. It drains at the bottom with a plug that has a magnet attached. Helpful to look at the magnet to look for metal shavings. Careful with the refill though. You don't just pour the fluid back in the top, but from lower to prevent air pockets. I don't have my manual handy, so I will ask if there is an expert on the OMC Cobra who can give the proper procedure here. A post you should read is http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=012988 and talks about how to fill. I have also been told not to mix different drive fluids, so keep a note of what brand you put in.<br /><br />5. Bellows - rubber bellows on the drive that keeps water out - obvious need to check this for cracking and rot. Question - when you got the boat was the drive stored in the full up position or down? You want to store it down to keep from stressing the bellow.<br /><br />6. I have heard the suggestion of removing the plugs and squirting a little Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders, then turning the engine some by hand to distribute the oil. Goal is to get everything lubed before you start.<br /><br />7. Exhause manifolds. If it was used in salt water the salt is murder on the manifolds (corrosion). Look for another post where I asked about the flappers recently. Good information there.<br /><br />My thoughts, but again there are a lot of people out there with a lot of more experience and brains than I have.