What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

[cr2k]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

Just keep the water in the tilt clutch drained and refilled with oil.

One good thing about the impellers, they are fairly big and bulky so you really don't need (or want) to change them but every 5 or more years depending on use.

Just keep in mind it is an older model drive and don't abuse it and it should last for awhile.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

Well ok, maybe it's more like owning an American Motors vehicle...

Ayuh,.... More like a Yugo,... They weren't bought up by anybody, but just Disappeared...
And, were abit of an Odd-ball the short time they were around...

 

[metro3pilot]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

At the risk of beating a dead horse,

I have a Cobra and now I'm looking to upgrade to a new Boat and I stop reading when the ad says OMC powered...more and more problems are popping up on them and little or no support....

 

[GopherPride23]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

Bought an 87 starcraft about two months ago. Didnt stumble accross this site until I realized I had a shifting problem with my OMC Cobra. Honestly, had I known about all the problems I wouldnt have bought it. However, I have had no problem finding reputible people to work on it. And from what I've read on the internet its a good outdrive if you maintain it and keep it in good repair.

Since I only paid $1500 for it, I'm not too worried putting some money into it.

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

We worked on my friends OMC stringer last season and with two other parts units we doctored it together and he used it gingerly for the remainder of the summer. I told him that thing will never come apart again by me, because it wont go back together. i mean stripped bolts, cover housing basically 5200ed together. It's a basket case. lol Plan is to swap it to Mercruiser when he can afford it. I guess it's what shape there in and how many hours they have been run, and how well they've been maintained, fresh/or salt water. There all good when there working. antiques I run an OMC cobra and it's great but i pitty a major breakdown with it. IMO

 

[carolynrose]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

By the way, Yugo's were just rebadged Fiat 128. OMC "Cobra" parts are readily available, just expensive. My suggestion that you can find some really good buys on OMC "Cobra" equipped boats that could be worth while converting with SEI. Definitely stay away from anything OMC thats not cobra.

 

[chopperdog]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

I have what may be an interesting take on this.
I purchased a 1988 Bayliner ciera over a year ago. It has a 4 cyl, 3.0L, with an OMC cobra outdrive.

In short, I have had to do a ton of work on this boat. I didn't buy the boat for this purpose, I bought it to have fun with my kids.

The positive thing is, now I pretty much know that engine and outdrive inside and out, and I have had fun with my son, but working on the boat instead of on the water, so he has learned a few things.

Now I can deal with problems as they arise, and I am not nervous about getting into it. There is currently a small fix required, and the solution was verified on this website.
Overall, the boat is in great shape and mostly reliable.
I was going to get an SEI conversion, but will stick with OMC for now. I own it, it works, and now that I understand it, I can work on it if needed.

 

[TeagansDad]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

Hello everyone, this is my first post on these forums. Great resource for information, but I have to tell you.....I'm officially concerned with my new-to-me-boat. It's a 1989 VIP Vision 1700 (2.7L)

Here's the story, it's been in storage (uncovered!) for 2.5 years, and it's being given to me for FREE. I figured I'd take it, dump some money and elbow grease into restoring the upholstery and flooring....but if the engine doesn't run then I'll sell it, trailer and all for $500.

Well after reading the restore forums and gaining confidence in doing the work myself I thought, hell even if the engine doesn't run, I'll just put some money into repairing it...until I ran across this thread...

Being my first boat, I've been so excited about it, and reading this thread really took the wind out of my sails. My concern is that this boat will be a huge liability, and will cost too much to get it in lake condition because it's an OMC Cobra.

Here's a link with some of the pictures I took earlier this week, and there are a couple pictures of another users VIP Vision to compare it's condition.

I'm replacing the tires today, and we're going to try to get the motor running this Saturday....say a prayer for me...
http://picasaweb.google.com/chris.barney/20100222?feat=directlink

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

Dude, I just looked at the pics....you got quite a project there. Chances are about 90% that it's rotted to the core. The OMC may be the least of your problems.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

and it's being given to me for FREE.

Ayuh,.... You get what ya pay for,... I guess you got your money's worth....

 

[Don S]

Re: What's so bad about OMC sterndrives anyway?

TeagansDad

First of all, Welcome to iboat.

Next, It's aways best to start a new thread of your own, not just stick your post at the end of someone elses thread.