Re: OMC 5L is it a good setup? or should I stay away
sea wolf, <br /><br />Given your recurring problems, you really should think about building that outdrive holder I referenced above. The hernia issue disappears. One person can easily remove/ replace a drive that lines up. For one that doesn't, like yours, the holder lets you easily maneuver the drive as far as it will go and hold it in place so you can see/ evaluate where the problem is. <br /><br />Once you figure out and fix whatever the problem is, pulling and replacing the drive for regular maintenance should be a snap. <br /><br />I know, I've had mine on & off (by myself) at least 3 times over the last week trying to get the shift system set up correctly (put in new transom shift cable). I think (hope) I've finally got it; went back to the beginning & think the shift rod was one turn too high, throwing everthing else off. Put the drive back on and bellcarank seemed to line up with the shiftrod 'v-notch' better this time, but haven't had a chance to see how the rest of the cable adjustments inside the boat go yet. <br /><br />If everyting is ok, I need to pull the drive one more time & put on a gasket, sealer, etc. Figured I'm better off 'dry' fitting it back together till I get it right instead of wasting gaskets. <br /><br />I'm guessing (not having done muce other mechanical work, either on boats or cars) that part of the Cobra problem (outside of parts acarcity) may have to do with tolerances/ measurement that may be more tight/ specific than some people are used to dealing with. I mean, 17 13/64" for the shift rod height? 7 9/16" (+- 1/32") for the correct distance at the engine end of the transom shift cable? And the worst (for me), trying to make sure that the bellcrank is perpendicular to the housing. It would seem to be fairly easy if the bellcrank body was the same width, but it tapers from back to front, making it real tough for me to guage perpendicular, even when using an L-square against the housing. If anyone has any tips on how to make the perpendicular setting easier, please pass them on! If it wasn't a one shot deal I'd definitely be searching for the OMC tool, even if it is $35 or $40.<br /><br />But I have learned alot, which hopefullly will save me quite a bit down the road.<br /><br />I know how frustrated you must be and until you've got your drive back on I suspect nothing is going to help. But once you've got it back together, perhaps you can focus on the benefits to a cobra. e.g., having access to the waterpump & impeller without having to pull the drive; I've heard that changing bellows is easier than on a Merc; perhaps a few other things I don't know about?<br /><br />Anyways, good luck!
<br />That sentence will get Longer,+ be heard More Often with Time............................. 
