Please Help, Omc Cobra Outdrive

[ifixjets]

i have a 1990 four winns freedom 195 with a 4.3 OMC. couple weekends ago i got caught up in some kelp beds just off point loma, ca., the kelp blocked off my water intake on the lower unit and subsequently ate up my impeller. ive ordered a replacemnt water pump impeller kit including a new housing and water pump adapter. my question is this: if your standing behind the boat looking forward at the outdrive on the left side of the outdrive and just left of the water pump assy there is a drain plug with a chrome finish. i removed that drain plug so i could remove as much sea water as possible and when i took it out i noticed that the nut behind the plug dropped down into that water cavity. i fished for hours with a magnet trying to retrieve it but cant seem to find it. first question is why did they put a nut back there instead of some type of nut insert and 2nd question if i cant retrieve it will it damage anything to leave it in there? im trying to avoid tearing down the outdrive to get it. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN GET THIS NUT OUTTA THERE WITHOUT COMPLETE DISASSEMBLY! thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: Please Help, Omc Cobra Outdrive

Unfortunately Bubba is correct. Now, the backing plate will not end up in your gear box and grind things all to hell but it might cause enough blockage to send your motor temps into the red zone.
But look at the bright side - now you can change all the seals around the mounting plate and kill two birds with one stone.
The removal is not that difficult nor is the assembly. There is one little trick I'd like to point out. When you reassemble do not use too much grease on the pilot shaft. If you do it will cause it to hydraulic lock and you'll never get it replaced.
Oh yea, while it's off now would be the perfect time to also get it painted and looking good. I know I'm jumping the gun on that one.

 

[vip-vindicator]

Re: Please Help, Omc Cobra Outdrive

I feel your pain! ok here is the game plan i used 1= lower the outdive 2= pull of the water pump 3= go to the themostat housing unhook the fresh water in hose and hook your water(garden) hose to that 3= turn the water on go to the outdrive it will be on the left chamber take a pair of 90 degree needle nose pliers and if all goes well ther it is. far as putting the plug back i tapped mine and put a new plug in. hope this helps!!!!!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Please Help, Omc Cobra Outdrive

Hmm,

Another one removed the "DO NOT REMOVE" plug.

Lessee.......is this number 10003 this year?

All kidd'n aside, you're not the first (or last) to do this! No one seems to know why it's there and it's not mentioned in the OMC service manual.

You do need to remove the drive to retrieve it though.


If you haven't done it you can also check the U-joints, gimbal bearing and alignment while you have the drive off!

It won't be all that hard a job and you'll know next time!

Cheers,

Rick

 

[ifixjets]

Re: Please Help, Omc Cobra Outdrive

thank you to all that replied. i have not done anything yet but i like the idea about putting water to the thermostat housing and see if i can force it out. thanks again