87 2.3 OMC Cobra Stern Drive FULL of water!

[hcwalker81]

The last two times I have been out I have noticed a bump everynow and then from the drive. I am guessing the clutch dog is going out. I was doing some routine maintance today. I pulled the drain plug on the stern drive and BOOM out comes 98% water and 2% oil. I dont even know where to start and not sure how it didnt lock up. It is one thing after another with this boat. Any help would be great. Should I take the upper and lower apart replace all gaskets and the clutch dog or what do you think? How much money am I looking at for all new gaskets gears and clutch dog? Should I change other stuff while I am in there? Bellows and what else?

Thanks for all your help. I am about to set this boat on fire!!:facepalm:

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 87 2.3 OMC Cobra Stern Drive FULL of water!

Howdy,

You have a drive that has a failed seal or seals.

How long it was ran with water and little or no oil will determine how much damage was done.

In any case, the only way to tell will be to disassemble.

That's basically a rebuild. It won't be cheap. You might want to see if you can find another
drive as a possible alternative.

 

[boobie]

Re: 87 2.3 OMC Cobra Stern Drive FULL of water!

Before you take it apart you should have it pressure & vacuum checked. That way you'll know exactly where it's leaking.

 

[hcwalker81]

Re: 87 2.3 OMC Cobra Stern Drive FULL of water!

I took the boat out today to see if it is a big or slow leak. I ran it for about an hour and had it on the sandbar for about an hour. I got it home and had 1 quart of water in the drive. So not a slow leak..

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 87 2.3 OMC Cobra Stern Drive FULL of water!

Remove the prop & look at the prop shaft seal. If it's bad you'll see gear oil leaking out. Also look at the water pump shaft seal by removing impeller housing. Also check the washers on all the plugs in the lower unit. Keep running it with water in the drive & it'll be toast. 98% water? You're pushing your luck. The "bump" could mean a bad shift cable. If the lower gearset is shot it ain't gonna be cheap.