OMC cobra

[mikehite0325]

I just bought a 1988 four winns 211 liberator and I have herd nothing but bad about the OMC please send positive feedback. or all the bad things too.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC cobra

Most of the bad is probably confusion with the older OMC stringer drives, but the early Cobras did have trouble with shift cables that lead to ruined gear sets. Once it is set up right, it is no worse that a comparable Merc product. Do a search for Stuart Hasting's Cobra website, he has just about all the info you could need on it there. <br />Firstly though, find a good OMC trained mechanic to maintain it for you. Shop manuals are available, and most parts are too. Which engine does that one have? Chevy 350 or Ford 460?

 

[mikehite0325]

Re: OMC cobra

It has a 460 ford thanks for the info.

 

[Lou C]

Re: OMC cobra

The main thing with these is that if it starts shifting stiffly or pops out of gear, get it fixed right away, continued operation will trash the lower gears. Also filling it with gear oil is different than a Merc, not hard but you must do it the right way or you will underfill it and trash the upper gears. Get at least the OMC Owners/Operators manual from a dealer unless it came with the boat, it makes it pretty clear how to fill it. Once nice thing about Cobras is that the water pump impeller in the drive is very easy to change, much easier than a Merc Alpha that you have to remover the lower unit to do the same job.<br />Check out www.dougrussell.com they have parts diagrams for all the years and models. <br />If you need boat parts, email Four Winns, they are pretty helpful and I was able to fix a couple of things myself with their help. The Liberator is a unique model,I have seen a couple now and then and they are cool looking boats!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC cobra

mike,We all can tell you lots of stories about Cobras,But that seems to be past history.They somehow sorted themselves out (we mechanics must have helped)BIG GRIN!!<br /> Tell us about your Liberator and how she runs.Sounds like a great combo with the 460.<br />DHP

 

[jeremyp111]

Re: OMC cobra

I had an OMC Cobra drive in my first boat ('88 Bayliner 2655) and it was fine for me. I did have to replace the shift cables at one point though. As long as you have access to service and parts then you'll be fine. There's also a conversion kit out there that allows you to put a Volvo SX drive on if you ever had to replace it.<br /><br />Good luck with the boat Mike.<br /><br />Jeremy

 

[guylain]

Re: OMC cobra

I have a cobra 1987 wiht 460 ford on wellcraft élite 22 foot. My question is, what specification for your prop. and give my your result. thank you very mutch.

 

[mikehite0325]

Re: OMC cobra

thank's for all the info guy's . I will let you know how she run's when all the snow melt's and when I figure out what pitch prop I need run . I bought the boat in seattle and I live in utah at about 5000 feet above sea level . any hints would help. thanks alot.<br />mike