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On Mon, 8 Aug 2005 09:33:34 -0400, (N.L. Eckert)
wrote:

I have a '88 OMC Cobra with the 305 Chevy engine and it would be the
same block that you have, except that yours would be bored out to 350
CID. Keep in mind that OMC also used the 351 Ford engine for the 5.7
outdrives. My manual calls for HD 30 weight motor oil. I've always
used Pennzoil HD 30 and had no problems.
That vinatage Cobra had an inborn problem with the shifting cable. OMC
authorized a free replacement cable to original owners. I had the
dealer install the new cable and I still had occasional shifting
problems. Then, I took it to an independant mech. for other work and
while he was at it, he re-adjusted all the linkage and its been smooth
as glass ever since.

I am going to purchase a shop manual for the outdrive. I'm thinking
of trying to tackle replacing the shift cable myself come the off
season. I'm average as a mechanic, however, I don't have a lot of
experience. Once I get the shop manual, I'll know more, but so I can
prepare myself, can anyone give any advice as to whether I take the
whole outdrive off to do this repair or just the lower part of the
outdrive? How complicated a task is it to remove the outdrive. Once
the outdrive is off, how complicated to replace the cable in question?

Readnig about Cobra outdrives on the web, it sounds like most
associated problems are due to the original shifting assembly that was
fixed with a recall. I would imagine, given the age of my boat that
the recall work was probably done and the cable has probably gone bad
due to age. If the recall work had not been done, it sounds like the
gears would have been toast long ago due to slippage.

I'm also curious about the device that momentarily stalls the engine
to allow for smoother shifts. Where exactly is that located? Is
there some kind of switch where the cable connects to the motor?

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