Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

[HPjunkie]

Ok being a newbie to I/O motors, is there a link or manual to show how to properly winterize my boat. I have a pretty good idea just want to make sure I don't miss something and regret it later. I will be doing it soon as I feel the cool air a coming. I searched You Tube and did not find much on the OMC Cobra 3.0 just a lot Mercuiser vids.

Thanks!

 

[HPjunkie]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

Ok being a newbie to I/O motors, is there a link or manual to show how to properly winterize my boat. I have a pretty good idea just want to make sure I don't miss something and regret it later. I will be doing it soon as I feel the cool air a coming. I searched You Tube and did not find much on the OMC Cobra 3.0 just a lot Mercuiser vids.

Thanks!

Just to clarify I have read the sticky thread on winterizing just curious if anyone has more info on OMC Cobra drive winterizing specifically the 3.0L. I was wondering location of plugs and such so I don't miss any. I guess I better order a manual and QUICK.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

Just to clarify I have read the sticky thread on winterizing just curious if anyone has more info on OMC Cobra drive winterizing specifically the 3.0L. I was wondering location of plugs and such so I don't miss any. I guess I better order a manual and QUICK.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Ya should have a drain plug at the bottom of the Block, just above the oil pan rail, 'bout centerish, portside,...
Just above it, upside-down is the manifold drain,...
Yer riser may, or may not have a drain, lower aft corner,...
Poke, 'n prod the holes with a small long screw,...

The Big hose should be pulled from the circulatin' water pump,...
If ya got P/S, drain it's cooler,...
Drives are self-drainin', in the down position,...

'n whatever ya do, Don't remove the "Stupid screw" on the portside of yer drive,...

 

[HPjunkie]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

Thanks! I will check for the location of those plugs. As far as the "stupid screw" I might need a better idea which one that is. I saw a pic of a water drain screw on the drive and the oil drain screw.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

Thanks! I will check for the location of those plugs. As far as the "stupid screw" I might need a better idea which one that is. I saw a pic of a water drain screw on the drive and the oil drain screw.

Screw behind the Cobra sticker.

You will also have to remove a drain screw on the port side of the drive and store your outdrive in all the way down osition.

 

[HPjunkie]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

I have a repair manual ordered and on the way. Thanks for the tips!

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

That stupid screw will not be Stainless Steel. It's behind a sticker, but old stickers wear off. Look at attachment. I don't think any 3.0s had PWR steering cooler, but just look for any BRASS petcocks. unscrew the "T" and run some wire up in there to clear any rust debris. Put fuel stabilizer in your fuel before hand (wal-mart). Spray fogging oil down the carb while running before hand (wal-mart). Change lower unit oil (again-attachment).

 

[HPjunkie]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

Thanks for the tips everyone! I just got my manual in the mail. Now I have a lot or reading to do and quick. Old Man winter likes to sneak up on us here in MN.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

All of the critical things were covered in this thread and can be done in 1/2 hour. But it may take a bit of time to gauge your lower unit refill. My OMC manual pump reads 2 OZs per pump - so 64 OZs = ~30 to 32 pumps, check dip stick at 28, 29 etc.
If you just loosen the lower drain screw and check for milky oil, as long as it's not milky and looks good, you won't have to change it for the winter (but would be best). Try and run the boat with fuel stabilizer mixed with fuel. Don't want carb to gunk up!

 

[old-outboard]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

I have a 1986 3.0L Cobra and have winterized it for the last 7 years with no problem using the following document. It addresses OMC outdrives specifically

Brown's Marina - WINTERIZING YOUR INBOARD

 

[Lou C]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

There are also 3 plugs in the pivot housing (2 on the starboard side, one on the port side, tilt it up a bit to see the ones on stbd side) that should be removed and allowed to drain.

Just wanted to point out in the 2nd pic there is an error, the lower circle in red is not the drain plug but a plug for the bellcrank that is not to be removed, the drain plug is further in and has a straight screw head screw so you can't miss it if you tilt the drive up a bit.

 

[HPjunkie]

Re: Winterizing OMC Cobra 3.0

THANKS for all the replies! I have completed the winterizing process, just need to remove battery, and it went rather smooth. Almost too smooth. I keep thinking I am missing something. I may even triple check just to ease the mind. Thanks to all that responded and hope to help out when and where I can. Being a newbie might end up reading more than posting but keep up the good posts I enjoy learning.