OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

[Shadowfax]

Hello All,
I just purchased a 94 Sunbird Stinger 17' 3" with an OMC 3.0 Cobra inline 4. It's in pretty good shape, can be restored with a little TLC. I tried to start it but I couldn't get it to turn over, and traced current to starter. Took off the starter this morning (a story in itself!) and it's in terrible shape. Water has been in it and corrosion is everywhere. One of the brush spring clips is broken, and the wiring is brittle. I found a replacement starter at DB Electrical which says it's for a OMC 3.0 for only $57.00. Any input on whether this is a bolt on replacement? I turned the motor over with a screwdriver on the flywheel with the plugs removed, and it seems to turn over freely. I'm looking to restore this boat to as near showroom as possible over the next year or so. Just looking for input from other owners, or anyone knowledgeable in this boat.
Great site for boat owners, and I'm looking forward to some quality keyboard time with everyone.
Thanks in advance for any input you folks want to give.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

You sure that's a marine starter? Iboats lists starters for your setup for I think $150.00 or so. There are starters out there that will boat up to that 3.0 but aren't rated for marine use. Can that starter that u have be rebuilt?

 

[Shadowfax]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

Thanks for the input SW. The description for the starter on the DB page says:
"This marine boat starter fits nearly all Mercruiser, Cobra, Yamaha,
and Volva Penta GM 3.0 liter engines."
I guess I have to take them at their word. It's due to be delivered today if the UPS guy can find my house in the woods!
Any clue as to the difference between an automotive and marine starter? I've always had outboards before, but I understand the part about explosions in the engine compartment. Don't want to mistakenly put an auto starter in there. Might ruin my day!
Thanks for the help.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

oem marine starters often have "marine" stamped right in the housing. should also be a tag or decal that says: SAE J1171

 

[Shadowfax]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

Thanks for the info Commander, I'll make sure to look at it before I install it. I did have at one time, before my divorce, a Sea Ray I/O, but never had to replace the starter. I have always assumed that the motors were auto motors converted to marine use. Are there any other issues pertaining to marine motors that I should be aware of? I downloaded a service manual for OMC inboards but I'm not sure what years are covered. The references to the 3.0 match so far with my motor, so maybe it's covered in the manual. Thanks again for your input, what a great forum!

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

I am not saying it is right or wrong but I know people that have used automotive starters for years without issues. It is always a good idea to lift the cover check your hoses, belts, fuel pump and anything else before an outing anyhow. When you do that pretty much vents anything flammable out anyhow.

 

[Shadowfax]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

Thanks for the input Randy. Seeing as how right now the engine cover is out of the boat, I should be pretty good to go to work on it, once I get it running. The wood that the cover is made out of is almost completely rotted, so I will be running without a cover until I can afford the marine grade plywood to make another. Such are the trials and tribulations of a restoration on a retirement budget!
Thanks again for all the input. Looking forward to working on this boat with all the help from you guys!

 

[Shadowfax]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

Ok guys, got the starter, and assuming the original was hooked up properly, I hooked it up exactly the same as the one I took off; large red hot from relay (mounted on the engine block) to top terminal of starter, yellow/red from top terminal of starter to right small terminal of starter. I hooked it up before mounting to insure it would turn over. Starter operated fine. Mounted starter onto motor and ... nothing but a click. Don't want to mess with the wiring without any suggestions from more knowledgeable than me. Any ideas on troubleshooting? This is a smaller body starter, and has 11 tooth pinion gear instead of the original 9 tooth. That shouldn't be a problem should it?

 

[Shadowfax]

Re: OMC Cobra 3.0 starter

Dummy update #1! Disregard the previous post. Forgot the cardinal rule #1A...NEVER, EVER assume the person working on a motor before you was thorough! While cogitating on my problem stated above, I says to myself, "Did you check all the connections to make sure they were tight?" I answered to myself,"No dumbutt...you didn't." I did and there was a loose connection...tightened it up, turned the switch, and the motor turned over for the first time in I dont' know when. Now I'm preparing to check all my electrical, fuel and water systems, and see if she will crank. Any particular things I need to look for would be appreciated. I assume the usual for a motor that's been sitting. Wish me luck, I'll update as I progress. Thanks for the help so far!