OMC Cobra sterndrive water drain

[lectronman]

1986 OMC 3 liter with Cobra sterndrive. Winterizing. Repair manual said to remove screw plug on side of drive to drain water for storage, so I took out plug. Found out that I shouldn't have taken plug all the way out. It was screwed into a plate that fell inside transom water jacket. What needs to be done to retreive this from inside and fix problem?<br />Thanks.

 

[CCrew]

Re: OMC Cobra sterndrive water drain

You have to split the upper and lower half. I'm assuming that it was the big honking screw on the port side that was originally under the Cobra logo.

 

[Lark40]

Re: OMC Cobra sterndrive water drain

Welcome to the fraternity of DIY OMC owners.<br /><br />Many of us have done exactly the same thing - and learned our lesson. I had to pull the outdrive off to get the backing plate. It was right there on a ledge below. Get a manual for the drive removal. Use silicon sealant when you reattach.<br /><br />There was posting here a few months ago, where a guy said he retrieved the backing plate through the hole. Think he was both skillful, patient, and very lucky.

 

[lectronman]

Re: OMC Cobra sterndrive water drain

I would have to say that guy was very skillful indeed to get it without removal. I tried and failed badly. I use both the SELCO and CLYMER(spelling may be wrong) manuals and neither said anything about this. They both just stated to remove and drain. Thanks for your help!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: OMC Cobra sterndrive water drain

I think the reason the manuals don't mention it is because normally there is an OMC COBRA emblem that covers that screw so you don't even see it. Over the years most of them have fallen off but most of us know not to touch it. The original OMC factory manual is much better and has pointers showing the correct screws to remove for draining.