OMC cobra transom problem/engine coupler, removing engine, any help?

[Genestealer]

I have a 1990 Checkmate Senator boat with 5.8L engine and OMC Cobra outdrive.

One time when I was on lake and put my boat into forward gear I heard some grinding noise, the boat didn't go reverse or forward. After several times of trying to shift the grinding noise slowly disappeared, I tried to adjust the shift cable on the lake but with no luck. I thought that the clutch dog was bad. After removing and disassembling lower unit, the clutch dog, forward and reverse gears looked good. I put it all back, but it doesn't solve my problem. The engine doesn't turn the outdrive at all, so it looks like the problem is between the engine and the outdrive, transom?

I would want to hear some tips on what could go wrong there, how do I replace bad parts, and do I really have to remove the engine? Do I have to remove outdrive first before removing the engine? Will that be possible to do it in 4 days? I already bought the engine crane to pull it out of the boat.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Got a bad engine coupler?

Removing an engine from a boat is much easier than removing an engine from a vehicle. I can't say for your particular engine, 'cause I've never seen an OMC setup up close, but I'd wager its similar to the Mercruiser setup.

Remove all hoses and wiring (label wiring)
Remove exhaust risers
Attach chain to engine, remove slack.
Remove engine mount bolts
lift engine
check for any missed wires/hoses
once you're sure it's all removed, finish lifting engine out.

 

[gcboat]

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Sounds to me as if your shifter cable is shot. Grinding gears, then nothing is a good sign of that problem.
Your motor does not need to be removed but the entire lower unit will. While it is apart now would be a good time to do some maintenance. Seals, u-joint grease, new install kit, etc.
If your coupler went you would have the smell of burning rubber. Since you didn't state that fact then the cable comes to mind.
Here's a good read on the Cobra unit itself. Little long but well worth it. The main cause of Cobra's self destructing is the shifter cable. If not adjusted properly it can spell doomsday to the unit.
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[Genestealer]

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Yes, I actually smelt burning rubber, but I didn't have an idea what was that smell then. I'm gonna remove the engine today.
Can engine coupler be repaired (welded or something? just temporary) or I have to buy a new one? What retail stores are selling these couplers? I need it fast.
Thank you for your help.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Re: OMC cobra transom problem, removing engine, any help?

Nope it can't be repaired. And you won't find one retail, unless it's a boat dealer. You can probably find one here at iboats. You will definately need an alignment tool to line up the drive & the engine. If you don't line it up, you'll be doing the work over again, post haste.