Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

[rybad]

I swapped my stb. engine. When reinstalling the engine, I pulled the outdrive so that I could check the alignment. When attempting to reinstall the outdrive, it was extremely difficult to get back on the mount. It took three guys about an hour to finally jam it back on. <br /><br />I have NEVER pulled an outdrive before, so my question is.. Is this typical? And, are there any "tricks" or tips that make this easier. I will want to pull it again in the fall to grease the gimbal and U-joints, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything.<br /><br />The engine is working fine..

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

If alignment is good like you say, it should not be that tough. Once you get the shaft lined up, use a screwdriver or whatever and as you're pushing it on, move the u joints back and forth a little. This will help align the spines. The tough part is usually when you get to where the o-ring seal needs to slide into the gimble bearing, or the last 1/2" or so. However, I did mine alone, and was able to get it on without help in about 5-10 minutes of good honest pushing and swearing. An hour with three people seems excessive.

 

[rybad]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

It seemed to be getting stuck at the seal for the U-joint. Once we got it passed there it went OK, then we used a screwdriver to align the spline, and it went good from there. <br /><br />As we were trying to push the U-joint through the seal, it always wanted to turn, or bind-up.<br /><br />Like I said, this was the first time I tried it, and I didnt know what to expect. I guess I really expected it to just "slide" into place, knowing that the alignment was good, and everythings was greased up nicely.<br /><br />Thanks..

 

[motox6]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

Here is what i had to do to get my cobra back on - I took the front of the trailer and rested it on a floor jack to get the front end as low as possible so the back end would be high. then got the outdrive started in until all you could see was the second u-joint ( like steve says use screw driver until splines align), that will get you to the above mentioned step. Once there all I had to do is push in and at the same time wiggle the outdrive. and BINGO slid right in and did it all by my self.

 

[rybad]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

Thanks for you post.. I think i just didnt have it going in straight. Actually, having three of us all pushing at the same time may have caused it to move too much and wasnt going in straight.<br /><br />thanks again.

 

[gregs]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

is yours a super cobra. im new to this and need to know all i can learn about it. like i took the cover off of mine and theres what looks to be motor oil in this resevoir. theres a gear drive of some kind. how do i know if this lower unit is ok? the boat was free but it has set up for 3 years here in georgia were i now live

 

[Rickles]

Re: Pulled OMC Cobra Outdrive - Difficult to reinstall??

I've had that problem before.What we came up with was that the coupler is slightly out of round.If you didn't get it back (the drive shaft on the outdrive)in the exact same place, you have difficulty going in.As long as you don't hear any noises when you run it you'll be OK.