Marine 1989 OMC outdrive questions.

[Skydiver]

I am presently looking at a 23 Foot Eurosport 3 with a 460 ford pushing a OMC cobra outdrive.

I can buy this unit right and need to hear from TDR members who have experence with this type of outdrive. I know how to work on the boat and the ford 460,but OMC outdrives are new to me. I have heard that from 1987 back these omc units were VERY troublesum the boat is for sure an 89.

Heres the good part 105 hours. The bad part,been sitting for five years. Thanks TIM

 

[JWhitcomb]

If it has been sitting for that long, my experiance with OMC is that you will soon replace the seals, not cheap. My experiance is with the older units but I still think you will need seals. Good luck.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

If it has been sitting for more than 5 years, I wouldn' but it. You are probably looking at replacing the upper part of that 460. Manifolds, risers, I'll even bet that the cylinder walls are rusted and pitted. This is just from things that I have seen looking at boat engines that have been sitting.



As for the OMC, a friend has a 1988 Bayliner, 24'. ALWAYS having problems with it. Seals, bearings, etc... In fact it is on land now having the outdrive rebuilt.

 

[docdyno]

Long storage times are usually problematic. Was the engine properly winterized and the drive gear lube checked for water infusion? OMC went into bankrupcy about two years ago. They lost a number of dealers as well as suppliers that made lots of their parts. Service parts will be a problem to get if they aren't already. Bonbardier (Ski-doo, Sea-doo) bought the assets and are now servicing the OMC franchisees; nevertheless, service parts for older units are an issue. Any of the stern drives (incl. Mercruiser and Volvo) will have rubber boot decay, so tht issue is not specific to OMC. It would have to be a REAL good deal for me to consider this purchase.

 

[DLeach]

Volvo Labels?

Im the service manager for a Volvo Penta, OMC,Yamaha and Yanmar dealership and ever since OMC went chapter 11 some of the fast moving parts have the Bombardier stickers on them but not Volvo. Althought the older OMC drives shared some of the same parts in the drive the still are not connected by business or parts ties. At least nothing that has crossed my desk. OMC Outrives are crap, anyway you put it. You best bet is to sell it and buy an older style volvo 290a Duoprop outdrive and transom shield. Although VP mainly used GM blocks for power, you can buy adaptor plates if your bent on using that 460 block. Anyway you put it, it is still going to cost you an arm and a leg, welcome to the boating world... . good luck. Aloha

 

[Skydiver]

Keep the reply's coming.

Yesterday I rechecked the outdrive. It does not have the boot. I've heard about the bad stories about the booted outdrive.

I poured 1/2 cup of marvel mystery oil in the carb and it turned over fine for 5 seconds. I pulled the coil wire first so it would not fire.

I sure hope the manifolds and risers are not rusted.

Sure is a fine looking 23' cuddy.

I will hook the water to it this weekend after I change all the fluids and see what happens. I know to watch the temp closely in case the pump is bad.

Keep the reply's moving this way.

Tim

 

[Skydiver]

Bought the boat.

Update.

I bought the 1989 Eurosport III SLC ,460 King Cobra after running it for 2 hours. No oil or water leaks. Runs out perfect. Will hit a top speed of of 54 mph.

I do have a follow up question or two. On the valve cover of the 460 it says to run 93 octane unless the timing is retarded. This would indicate that it is a high compression engine,correct? What is the horse power? I have seen listings for 335 hp and 350 hp.

Any body know? Thanks again,

Tim

 

[amsoilman]

I have a1988 Fourwinns Cruiser with the 460 ci Ford engine and OMC "King Cobra" outdrive. The HP rating is 335 HP. I do not like the OMC outdrive! Have had several problems, and boat only has 260 hrs. Have had it for many years. Personally, I like the VP outdrives, have had 2 of them in my life and no problems at all with the ones I had.





Wayne

amsoilman