OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

[AarondAdams]

Hello all,

I was hoping someone could help me figure out why my Cobra is taking on water. I just replaced the bellows and gimble, and the problem got worse. I raised the front of the boat up and filled the hull with water. As water began to pour out, I noticed it was coming from the bottom of the transom.I pulled the lower anode and saw water streaming out of the two bottom holes.

I have searched online and through my manual, but I cannot figure out what these holes do or how to fix the leak. I thoroughly checked the transom seal for rot or cracks. Everything seems to be fine there. In fact, the hull held water when I plugged the two holes.

Lastly, the boat is a 1989 Chris Craft with Chevy 5.0L OMC Cobra drive. I finally got it to start shifting and running smooth, but now its sinking!

Here is a pic of the holes I am reffering too. I hope it loads correctly.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

These are exhaust relief holes. If you are leaking out of these, the y-pipe isnt sealing or is cracked.

 

[AarondAdams]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

These are exhaust relief holes. If you are leaking out of these, the y-pipe isnt sealing or is cracked.

Can I plug them? Just to get by? We're all set to go to Powell for labor day, I don't want to miss it!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

no
plugging them wouldn't help anyway

 

[Black as]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

Can I plug them? Just to get by? We're all set to go to Powell for labor day, I don't want to miss it!

There is no easy way out with that problem, you will have to pull out the motor and replace the "Y" pipe

 

[AarondAdams]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

Well, I pulled the motor last week and fixed the problem. Two of the y pipe bolts were loose, and the other two were missing. I am really surprised how fast the motor came out and went back in. It worked great for Powell! Now I just need to tune up the shifting. Its hard coming out of gear and reverse is sometimes unreliable.

Thanks for all of your help!

Aaron

 

[REM 6824]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

Did you recheck you driveshaft alignment after putting the motor back in?

 

[AarondAdams]

Re: OMC Cobra taking on water through holes in lower transom

Did you recheck you driveshaft alignment after putting the motor back in?

I did. And the outdrive slid right into place without any problems. I think my lower shift cable is binding though. I will be replacing it soon.

Thanks again,

Aaron Adams

 

[Horsehaulin]

Well I am in the same place as you but with my 87 3.0 equipped OMC with Cobra drive. Sucks that I have to pull the engine though.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Horse, welcome!, you should start your own thread.
The original is a couple of years old.