Cobra Outdrive Removal Question

[fourwinns88]

I am about to remove the OMC Cobra outdrive from my 88' Four Winns w/ 4.3L. for a bellows replacement. I have noticed that a few people suggest to put the drive in forward gear before removing. My question is does it need to be in FULL forward or just past neutral (or does it matter as long as it is in forward)? What exactly does this do and how does it help with the removal/installation? Also, are there any other tricks I should know about for the removal/install to be as simple as possible? Thanks in advance for the help.

[Islandbrah]

AS long as the forward is engaged you'll be okay. it keeps the shaft from turning during repairs and makes it easier to reassemble.

[Lou C]

The Cobra is supposed to be in NEUTRAL...not foward like a Merc Alpha...if you try to pull of the lower unit with it in gear the bellcrank could get jammed up against the shift lever in the drive....
If you are doing a bellows replacement...you better get a correct manual (OMC OE is best they are on e-bay)...or else you may have leaks...in the mean time for factory info on removal...replacement of the drive...and changing the drive oil (this is VERY important to do the OMC way...)
see
www.crowleymarine.com
look in product support...OMC Cobra drives...the factory instructions and pix are all there...
and to make it easier...make one of these like I did.....