omc cobra outdrives

[moons711]

bought 87 boat with one of those cobra outdrives on it. do they hold up pretty well are they junk that are hard to find parts for? so far no trouble at all......

 

[superbenk]

Re: omc cobra outdrives

I have a 32 year old OMC Stringer that is running just fine. I don't think OMC made crap at all. The problem with OMC today is that they've been out of business for 12+ yrs so finding some of the parts is getting very difficult and there are very few mechanics willing to work on them. Obsolescence doesn't equal bad.

 

[kylejb2663]

Re: omc cobra outdrives

Cobra drives will run 100% as long as you take care of them! I have two OMC Stern Drives on my boat and as long as you fill them correctly and they are correctly configured for shifting, they will always just work! Also remember to replace the water impeller which is extremely easy, takes 10 minutes if that!

Some links that you can check out.

(Explains all about Cobras, filling/draining and making sure they shift correctly)
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

(This is a place you can get awesome diagrams of your out drives from and parts)
http://www.sterndrive.info/

Enjoy! Remember ALWAYS fill from the middle screw never the bottom screw and keep the dip stick out so no air pockets get in! Also, the left side where the cobra emblem is, don't mess with the screw it has a washer and will fall down inside and it's a PITA to get it out!

 

[sea wolf]

Re: omc cobra outdrives

Pay attention to how it shifts. If it shifts hard or you hear a thump from the stern it's not a log it's your shift cable out of adjustment or need of replacement, post haste. Failure to address a bad shift cable will hit you hard in your wallet.