OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

[miles917]

Hi, I'm new to the boating scene and bought my first boat earlier this year.

1988 4.3l Chevy OMC Cobra outdrive.

Replaced motor, new manifolds/risers (yeah, i'm new, bought a busted boat)

Today I learned about the mystery screw on the port side of the outdrive (i thought thats where water was supposed to come out) (reference post by toben on June 14th, 08)

Mine never had the screw, and I figure I'll be taking the outdrive off today to retrieve the plate that holds the screw. Any idea on what type of screw, ie size, I will need to buy?

I had the boat in the water for around an hour and on muffs for about 30 minutes, without the screw. Everything worked fine but I am sure you guys will tell me bad news..... What could or did I damage?

I really appreciate these forums as I have learned a lot. Unfortunately, I had to learn something new today that I could have lived without.

Thanks

 

[Maclin]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

Dude, do you mean the previous owner left that booby-trapped for you? man.....

 

[Dakota47]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

no damage yet.. just get it out of there and back together right.

 

[miles917]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

thanks, the seller left me all kinds of suprises.......

Does anybody know the part # or where to find a "lifting eye?" The manual says it screws into the sterndrive dipstick hole and then you use a lift to support the drive.

Also, any idea on where you get a replacement "mystery screw?"

Thanks

 

[Coors]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

Take the dipstick to hardware store , and match threads; think it is 1/2" coarse.
!/2 13.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

The screw is # 14, there are a few other pieces as well

9 0314491 O RING
10 0307450 O RING
11 0912314 PLUG-GEAR HSG
12 0912315 WASHER
13 0912316 NUT
14 0912349 PLUG-WATER PASSAGE

 

[miles917]

Re: OMC Cobra outdrive, the mystery screw

I just removed the sterndrive. The little threaded plate that holds the mystery screw is not in the water jacket as I hoped it would be. Any ideas on where it could be? Is it going to cause problems if it cannot be found?

Thanks