89 OMC with water in the lower unit.

[VaDreamer]

Hi folks,<br />I'm considering buying an '89' Four Winns 18' Horizon, with an OMC Cobra outdrive. This is my first boat, and I want to try and make the right decision and consider any potential problems, up front.<br /><br />I can tell that the current owner has taken good care of the boat (at least cosmetically). His reason for selling is that he hasn't used it but 3 or 4 times a yesr, for the past couple of years. <br /><br />We took it to the lake and test drove it. When we returned, we checked the oil in the lower unit and it was milky. I know that indicates there is water in there, but there is no way to tell how long it's really been there, right? There was no 'noise' coming from unit, as far as I could tell. He is going to have it fixed, but I want to make sure I cover all the bases and have all the needed repairs made, so any advice is welcome.<br /><br />Also, the water pump in the lower unit has never been replaced. Does any one know what the maintenance schedule is, for replcement? Same question for the bellows?<br /><br />Any other advice on things to look for or check?

 

[t_bird]

Re: 89 OMC with water in the lower unit.

Good morning Buying a boat, as a boat owner several times over and still currently, I can tell u this, I have never owned a boat that didn't have some sort of bugs to work out, Some more expensive than others.Thats the price we all pay for what we love to do. If u buy a boat get ready to add it to your out going budget and stop on the way home and pick up a service manual in will save u money in time. good luck.

 

[VaDreamer]

Re: 89 OMC with water in the lower unit.

Thanks t_bird! <br /><br />I've heard a boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into. I'm just trying to heep it at the 'wishing well' size. <br /><br />I've priced a rebuilt lower unit and it's around $1700. I don't mind spending $100 - $300 now to keep from spending $1770 later, but I'm just not sure what to look for.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 89 OMC with water in the lower unit.

u probably don't need a new drive. more than likely it's just a couple bad seals. change the impeller in lower unit water pump to avoid engine overheating. not a big job on cobras. take the boat out again after he changes the seals, to make sure it was done right.

 

[Mish_Mish]

Re: 89 OMC with water in the lower unit.

I JUST HAD THE SAME THING ON MY 89 OMC COBRA!!! <br />My boat set for 7 years and when I finally bought it and put it in water. Originally I checked oild and put new OMS 90 weight in it, but after 3 runs (8 hours) I noticed that oil turned milky.<br />Anyways I had to pull the outdrive off and do everything myself (local shops are too busy and expensive). Lower gasket kit is ~$36.00 and transom mounting Gasket Kit is only $6.00. OMC parts are dirt sheap and labor is easy. Most likely your drive is ok and all it needs is new gaskets. Local shop labor estimate was $280 + the parts above.<br />My original impeller (89) was like new, but I replaced it anyways.