OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

[PBJMAN]

Hi, all. Maybe someone can point me in a direction on this....

My boat is a 1987 Bayliner Capri cuddy with 3.0 OMC and Cobra outdrive. It's new to me as of this season, and there's still a lot for me to learn.

Today I was on the river and the water was a little rough due to the wakes from lots of boats; a typical Sunday on the St. Clair River. I had just picked up my kids from the public dock and had been cruising about 5 minutes at about 15-20-MPH when suddenly my RPM's zoomed and I lost propulsion. I quickly throttled down to idle and listened to the motor for a moment to see if it still sounded normal. Then I eased it back into forward and could feel it moving the boat a little. But then as I gave it more throttle, it did not accelerate. It seemed as if something is slipping or not engaging. I did not hear any knocks, bangs, or grinding, it just acts almost as if the engine is revving with the drive in neutral.

I was able to limp back to the dock at a little more than no-wake speed, and was even able to use reverse when I docked it. Once on the trailer, I could see no obvious problem with the prop or outdrive. I did not see any oil slicks or anything in the water and there is none in the bilge. I put it in foward gear and can only turn the prop approx 2" each direction, a little less than 1/4 of a turn.

Again, just to be clear, the engine is running fine, it seems to be a drive problem. Any trouble shooting suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
Jim

 

[dubs283]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

pull the drive and inspect the coupler/drive shaft splines

then look at the drive internals

 

[cr2k]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

I would inspect the prop hub before you remove the drive. If your prop is the older style with a rubber hub it may be your problem. Mark the hub with a paint line or scribe and try again and see if the lines still match up, if so not the prop. Or you can put in gear (engine off and try to stand on a blade to see if it turns. If so Hub.

If none of the above most likely your engine coupler.
One sure sign of coupler gone, if you can reach behind the engine (wear a rubber glove) and feel the shaft that goes in to the bell housing, follow it in as far as you can. Feel around the and if your hand comes back with the nastiest, stickiest, gooey crud you can imagine it is the coupler.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

I would inspect the prop hub before you remove the drive. If your prop is the older style with a rubber hub it may be your problem. Mark the hub with a paint line or scribe and try again and see if the lines still match up, if so not the prop. Or you can put in gear (engine off and try to stand on a blade to see if it turns. If so Hub.

If none of the above most likely your engine coupler.
One sure sign of coupler gone, if you can reach behind the engine (wear a rubber glove) and feel the shaft that goes in to the bell housing, follow it in as far as you can. Feel around the and if your hand comes back with the nastiest, stickiest, gooey crud you can imagine it is the coupler.

Good advice!
The prop or coupler would be my first things to check also.
I hope its just the prop hub..

 

[PBJMAN]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

Thanks for the suggestions. I removed and examined the prop. I etched a line from one of the spline grooves outward across the hub and onto the prop. I then set the prop on the shaft and slowly but firmly turned it. It was hard to move, but when it did move, it was the prop moving around the hub. The alignment marks are now 1/2" apart. It took a lot of my strength to move it, but I'm sure the water offers enough resistance to make a spinning prop slip if I can move it by hand. Is this the likely cause of my problem? Could I really get off this easily? Can this prop be repaired or will it have to be replaced? I've been planning to get a spare prop, so if I have to buy a new one I would like to know if there is a way to stop this one from slipping so I can use the new prop and make this one my spare.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

Thanks for the suggestions. I removed and examined the prop. I etched a line from one of the spline grooves outward across the hub and onto the prop. I then set the prop on the shaft and slowly but firmly turned it. It was hard to move, but when it did move, it was the prop moving around the hub. The alignment marks are now 1/2" apart. It took a lot of my strength to move it, but I'm sure the water offers enough resistance to make a spinning prop slip if I can move it by hand. Is this the likely cause of my problem? Could I really get off this easily? Can this prop be repaired or will it have to be replaced? I've been planning to get a spare prop, so if I have to buy a new one I would like to know if there is a way to stop this one from slipping so I can use the new prop and make this one my spare.

Thanks,
Jim

You have found your problem.

Go ahead and get that new prop that you have been hankering for...have this one rehubbed...and carry it as your spare. Be sure to carry an extra set of prop hardware (thrust hub, washer, nut)...just in case you need them!

Happy boating!

 

[PBJMAN]

Re: OMC outdrive problem on 1987 Bayliner

Update:
It was the prop. I had it re-hubbed at a local shop for $33.72. Took the boat for a ride today, all is good again!
Thanks for the help.