theydrewa31
New member
Hello all,
I am looking for some input regarding service/ evaluation of an outdrive unit. I have years of mechanical experience working on many different things, but little experience with marine engines. Information and details below. I looked through the forum but could not find anything that matches my situation closely enough so I thought I would ask to see if anyone might be able to save me some time and frustration.
Make: Starcraft
Model: Islander 221 v
Engine: GMC 4.3L V6
Outdrive: OMC Cobra Standard
Year: 1988
I recently purchased this boat from an estate sale. Unfortunately, the vessel did not come with any information about what service had been done recently, or what problems it might be having. The engine itself is in great condition. It looks to have been recently serviced as it is very clean and many of the stopnuts look fresh. The outdrive was detached from the vessel and placed on the deck of the boat. I cannot discern with certainty whether the outdrive had been removed for basic maintenance and replacement of bellows, or if there was some problem the previous owner was trying to fix. My logic leads me to believe that the previous owner was doing routine maintenance as the engine had clearly been serviced recently, and the project must have simply become arrested halfway to completion.
I am considering finishing replacement of bellows and standard lubrication etc. and all other standard maintenance which should be done while the outdrive is detached, but before I do I had a few questions which I am curious if anyone in the community might be willing to help me out by sharing any opinions or information they might have:
Big picture: I would like to determine whether this unit can be used again, or if I should replace this with a new or re-built unit. Cost is a large factor for me so I am looking to pursue the most affordable option. If this outdrive can be salvaged I feel it will be the less expensive option.
I can easily upload more photos, and provide more information if needed.
Thanks in advance for your time!
I am looking for some input regarding service/ evaluation of an outdrive unit. I have years of mechanical experience working on many different things, but little experience with marine engines. Information and details below. I looked through the forum but could not find anything that matches my situation closely enough so I thought I would ask to see if anyone might be able to save me some time and frustration.
Make: Starcraft
Model: Islander 221 v
Engine: GMC 4.3L V6
Outdrive: OMC Cobra Standard
Year: 1988
I recently purchased this boat from an estate sale. Unfortunately, the vessel did not come with any information about what service had been done recently, or what problems it might be having. The engine itself is in great condition. It looks to have been recently serviced as it is very clean and many of the stopnuts look fresh. The outdrive was detached from the vessel and placed on the deck of the boat. I cannot discern with certainty whether the outdrive had been removed for basic maintenance and replacement of bellows, or if there was some problem the previous owner was trying to fix. My logic leads me to believe that the previous owner was doing routine maintenance as the engine had clearly been serviced recently, and the project must have simply become arrested halfway to completion.
I am considering finishing replacement of bellows and standard lubrication etc. and all other standard maintenance which should be done while the outdrive is detached, but before I do I had a few questions which I am curious if anyone in the community might be willing to help me out by sharing any opinions or information they might have:
- Is there any way that I can test the quality of the outdrive, or check for any problems that it might have before I re-install the outdrive on the vessel? Notes on this below:
- I do not know how long this outdrive has been detached for.
- The upper cover had been removed, and the outdrive has been drained of oil. Should I be at all worried about this having generated internal issues for the outdrive? At a glance I do not see any rust developing under the cover.
- some rust began to develop on the drive shaft (photo included). Should I worry about this or shall I simply remove it with some extra fine sand paper?
- It looks like the previous owner spray painted over the Zinc Anodes. Should I replace those, or try to sand off the paint?
- This vessel came from an area of the country where I feel it is highly unlikely it has ever seen saltwater.
- Are there any other components of the drive system that should/can be tested while the outdrive is already removed?
Big picture: I would like to determine whether this unit can be used again, or if I should replace this with a new or re-built unit. Cost is a large factor for me so I am looking to pursue the most affordable option. If this outdrive can be salvaged I feel it will be the less expensive option.
I can easily upload more photos, and provide more information if needed.
Thanks in advance for your time!
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