1988 OMC Factory Manual?

sundowner205 · Sep 28, 2008

Hi guys,

Does anyone have a link to an '88 OMC Factory Manual? I have the '89 version and I'm trying to help out a fellow boater I just met who is not too tech savvy...he has an '88 5.0 Liter Cobra which I believe is a 305 Chevy to me, however, my '89 OMC Factory manual shows what looks to be a Ford engine for the 5.0 model...guessing OMC switched from GM to Ford for the '89 5.0 liter...

any takers?

sundowner205 · Sep 28, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Actually, all we are really looking for is the timing setting for his 305...the setting for my '89 350 is 8* BTDC, and I would guess that it is similar to that +/- a degree or two, however I'm looking for the exact setting if anyone might know...

HT32BSX115 · Sep 28, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

I have an 87 manual. It's not uncommon to have an 87 in his 88 model boat.

For the 504AMFTC, 504APFTC models, 89AKI fuel, 13 BTDC. 86AKI fuel, 8* BTDC
504AMARY, 504APARY models, 89 AKI fuel 10 BTDC. 86AKI fuel, 5* BTDC

Regards,

Rick

sundowner205 · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Thank you, Rick! Just one more question, I've been trying to decode those model numbers that you listed - my '89 manual does not list model numbers like that, it just says "MED, MEF Models" on the front cover.

Could you tell me which one of those models is the 5.0 Liter Cobra/305 Chevy? Or did they have several models of the same engine that year?

For instance, when I look up the timing specs in my '89 manual it just lists the model numbers by displacement - like for my 350 it says "5.7 L" for the regular Cobra, and "350 OMC King Cobra" for the other.

Thank you again!

Boatin Bob · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Actually MED/MEF is the specific model year, all MED/MEF models regardless of size will end in MED or MEF. 1988 models will end in GDE or GDP and 1987 gets strange with ARJ, ARY, FTC, SRC, SRY.

First 2 digits are the size (ltrs) 3 rd digit is 2 bbl or 4 bbl carb.

sundowner205 · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

That is a great diagram that I will be sure to save to the HD - Thank You, Bob!

HT32BSX115 · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Bob's got you hooked up!

For your friend with the 88 though, if it is indeed an 88, those timing numbers may or may not work.

They'll be close but if they're wrong, timing advanced too far could cause damage from detonation so make certain the timing is set using the right info.

If he wants to do anything to his boat maintenance wise, now would be a good time to find a correct year/model OEM OMC service manual.....they're not available online like the Merc or Volvo service manuals and they're not cheep!! I paid $100 + shipping for my reprint manual!

Regards,

Rick

sundowner205 · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

HT32BSX115 said:
Bob's got you hooked up!

For your friend with the 88 though, if it is indeed an 88, those timing numbers may or may not work.

They'll be close but if they're wrong, timing advanced too far could cause damage from detonation so make certain the timing is set using the right info.

If he wants to do anything to his boat maintenance wise, now would be a good time to find a correct year/model OEM OMC service manual.....they're not available online like the Merc or Volvo service manuals and they're not cheep!! I paid $100 + shipping for my reprint manual!

Regards,

Rick

And they aren't cheap! I bought my '89 version from ebay for $55...I looked for an '88 version for this guy after suggesting it is an essential item to have, and the seller whom I purchased mine from had one - for $104!

Lou C · Sep 29, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

OK 205 Sundowner, I have the 88 OMC factory manuals and the 5.0 was definitely the Chevy small block. The specs given by OMC were 10 degrees BTDC using 89 octane gas and 5 BTDC degrees using 86 octane gas.

sundowner205 · Sep 30, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Lou C said:
OK 205 Sundowner, I have the 88 OMC factory manuals and the 5.0 was definitely the Chevy small block. The specs given by OMC were 10 degrees BTDC using 89 octane gas and 5 BTDC degrees using 86 octane gas.

Thank you, Lou C. Much appreciated!

gooders · Oct 5, 2008

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Hi guys.I live in the UK and believe me trying to source parts for my 1989 OMC Cobra is not easy to say the least. I enquired about a factory manual and was quoted ?60.00 plus! So I found someone on EBAY who does the manuals on Cd rom, only cost me about ?9.00.Cannot remember who the seller was but well worth a search on the net.

o

sasteve49 · May 9, 2009

Re: 1988 OMC Factory Manual?

Hi Guys, I originally bought my 1989 205 Four Winns with the 5.7 Cobra Chevy engine about 5 years ago at Lake Powell. Since then it has travelled and done Lakes, Mead, Havasu, Pacific Ocean at San Diego and the n4 years at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Now I am back at Lake Powell and need to tune the engine for this altitude. Any suggestions as to what needs to be different. Also, I just summerized her and started up and no water circulating! Shut down quickly, but sounds like new water pump.....Where is best place and price to get one?
Also, I found a Manual on Amazon.com for $28 plus shipping! Check it out.
Thanks,
Steve W.

1988 OMC Factory Manual?

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