OMC Cobra drive install problem...

W

wilkboater

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
95
I'm reinstalling the outdrive and can't get it to go. Engine alignment is good, everything is greased, I have the outdrive supported. I've read every version of how to do this(including the service manual), and nothing has helped. It seems like the ujoint center socket won't fit through the bellows. I've read about the splines being hard to align, but it's not going in that far. Could the bellows be swollen?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff
 
Lou C

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
11,855
Re: OMC Cobra drive install problem...

It's possible and if this has an original style bellows....OMC revised the bellows and made it bigger to make it easier to get it on...the last time I put mine on it took no more than 10 minutes....
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: OMC Cobra drive install problem...

Change the bellows, problem will be cured.
 
W

wilkboater

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
95
Re: OMC Cobra drive install problem...

The boat is a 1988, with 98 hours, so I'm pretty sure it's original. Will aftermarket parts (Sierra ect.) have the updated design?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
MRS

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,555
Re: OMC Cobra drive install problem...

I just did mine three times in two days if it is original bellows take a piece of wood and wedge it in the pivot housing to keep it straight and make sure the u-joint collar is straight in the bellows and it will slip right in. Plus grease the heck out of the collar and the bellows.
 
cr2k

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: OMC Cobra drive install problem...

Just grease the ring between the u-joints and take a long screw driver and when you get to that point stick the screw driver in the u-joints (carefully) and turn them back and forth while pushing the drive on. Basically working them through the bellows end.

Kinda like pulling off your wedding ring, you gotta lube it up and twist it a little.
 
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