OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

[Chris5280]

So, when I was winterizing my 88 Bayliner Capri in the fall, I accidentally removed the bolt (or what appeared to be a bolt) indicated in this photo. This is normally behind a plastic OMC logo cap which is missing on my outdrive.

My question: What is this hole for, and how do I re-attach this bolt? It is not a threaded fitting, so once I broke it loose - not sure what was keeping it in there before - there was no way to put it back together. It's been just sitting in there plugging the hole all winter. Now that it's almost time to get her back in the water, I need to know what it is and what to do with it. Maybe just some RTV?

Thanks!

 

[Jammer864]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

Im sensing a hole.....yes, a small hole.......surrounded by what seems to be a large mass.........the mass seems soft, perhaps a soft metal.........the metal is dark, could be painted dark gray........

 

[Chris5280]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

Sorry about that- guess the pic didn't attach properly. It's there now!!

 

[SteelBlack]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

Read the thread called 86 OMC OD. They had the same issue I believe. As the piece inside will need to be retrieved.

 

[SteelBlack]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

1986 OMC Cobra OD. Corrected thread name

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

View attachment 189668So, when I was winterizing my 88 Bayliner Capri in the fall, I accidentally removed the bolt (or what appeared to be a bolt) indicated in this photo. This is normally behind a plastic OMC logo cap which is missing on my outdrive.

My question: What is this hole for, and how do I re-attach this bolt? It is not a threaded fitting, so once I broke it loose - not sure what was keeping it in there before - there was no way to put it back together. It's been just sitting in there plugging the hole all winter. Now that it's almost time to get her back in the water, I need to know what it is and what to do with it. Maybe just some RTV?

Thanks!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... That's the OMC Dummy screw,....

When yer a dummy 'n pull it out, the retainer clip falls down on top of the lower unit....

So ya gotta split the drive to remove the clip, 'n reinstall it in the upper unit...
It "Does" nothin' but plug that hole, 'n ya Can't run it til it's put back where it belongs...

Donno why OMC did that, other than to make ya feel like a dummy....

 

[Chris5280]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

Fantastic... Can't believe I removed the wrong screw.

A few less brews next time I winterize, I guess

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: OMC Cobra Outdrive - What is this?

I did the same thing on mine. That screw originally had a sticker across it from factory. Over time, that sticker wears off and leaves the screw exposed making you think it would be good to remove for winterizing. You have to remove the drive to get the clip/backing plate out of there, but you can simply install a boat plug (brass adjustable type with rubber boot) instead of reinstalling the original part. I did it and it worked great.